livescience--2020-11-25--Coronavirus outbreak: Live updates

Coronavirus outbreak: Live updates

Refresh
90-year-old woman in the UK receives first dose of Pfizer vaccine, FDA review confirms vaccine is safe and effective A 90-year-old woman (who will turn 91 next week) became the first in the world to be given Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine outside of clinical trials, according to the BBC. Margaret Keenan, who is originally from Northern Ireland, was given the vaccine at the University Hospital in Coventry, England. She received the first of 800,000 doses expected to be administered in the U.K. in the coming weeks, according to the BBC. "I feel so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against Covid-19," Keenan said, according to the BBC."It's the best early birthday present I could wish for because it means I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the new year after being on my own for most of the year." "My advice to anyone offered the vaccine is to take it. If I can have it at 90, then you can have it too," she added. Up to four million doses of Pfizer's vaccine is expected to be given to people in the U.K. by the end of the month. Meanwhile, a 53-page Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review published Tuesday (Dec. 8) confirmed that Pfizer's vaccine is safe and effective, according to The Washington Post.
Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine starts to work just 10 days after 1st dose Pfizer's new COVID-19 vaccine starts to protect people from the novel coronavirus just 10 days after the first dose, according to new documents from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The documents were released on Tuesday (Dec. 8), two days before a meeting of the FDA's vaccine advisory panel, which will vote on whether to recommend authorization of the vaccine in the U.S, Live Science reported . The FDA analyzed data from Pfizer's phase 3 clinical trial, which included some 44,000 people in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Turkey, about half of whom received the vaccine while the other half received a placebo. Both groups received two shots, 21 days apart. About 10 days after the first dose, there was a noticeable drop-off in new COVID-19 cases in the vaccine group compared with the placebo group, indicating that even one dose provides some protection, the report said. However, scientists don't know how long the protection from a single dose will last, so it will still be important for people to receive two shots, according to The New York Times . Overall, the vaccine was 52% effective after the first dose and 95% effective after the second dose, the report said.
People with significant allergies should avoid Pfizer vaccine, UK warns The U.K.'s Regulatory Agency is advising people with a history of "significant" allergic reactions to avoid Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine, after two National Health Service members developed severe allergic reactions to it on Tuesday (Dec. 8), Live Science reported. "As is common with new vaccines the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) have advised on a precautionary basis that people with a significant history of allergic reactions do not receive this vaccination after two people with a history of significant allergic reactions responded adversely yesterday," Stephen Powis, the national medical director for England's National Health Service said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec. 9). Both workers have a history of severe allergies and carry adrenaline auto injectors (such as EpiPens) around with them, according to The Guardian. Shortly after receiving the vaccine, both NHS workers developed anaphylaxis-like symptoms, or severe allergic reactions, but have recovered after receiving treatment. The MHRA will investigate further and Pfizer and BioNTech will support their investigation, according to Reuters. "Allergic reaction occurs with quite a number of vaccines, and perhaps even more frequently with drugs. So it is not unexpected," Stephen Evans, a professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said in remarks to journalists published by Britain's Science Media Center. “What would be wise, as the MHRA have already advised, would be for anyone who has known severe allergic reaction such that they need to carry an EpiPen, to delay having a vaccination until the reason for the allergic reaction has been clarified," he said. For the general population this does not mean that they would need to be anxious about receiving the vaccination, he added. "One has to remember that even things like marmite [a quintessential British food spread] can cause unexpected severe allergic reactions.”
Canada approves Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine Canada has authorized Pfizer's new COVID-19 vaccine, with the first doses expected to be administered there as early as next week. Health Canada, the country's health regulatory agency, said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec. 9) that it had determined that the vaccine "meets the Department's stringent safety, efficacy and quality requirements for use in Canada," according to CTV News . "We expect vaccines to arrive maybe as early as Monday [Dec. 14]. It takes time to prepare the vaccine," said Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin, the top military general leading the vaccine rollout for the Public Health Agency of Canada, according to CTV News. The first doses could be administered by the middle of next week, he said. Canada is the third country in the world to authorize the Pfizer vaccine, following the United Kingdom and Bahrain. The country should receive up to 249,000 doses of the vaccine by the end of December, and has purchased 20 million doses total, with the option to purchase more, CTV News reported.
Daily COVID-19 death toll in the U.S. reaches record-high, surpassed 9/11 On Wednesday (Dec. 9), the U.S. recorded 3,124 new COVID-19 deaths, the highest daily death toll to date, according to CNN . In comparison, 2,977 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks. The U.S. has now recorded 280,488 deaths related to the virus, according to The COVID Tracking Project . A forecast from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts that the total death toll can increase to between 332,000 and 362,000 by January 2, according to CNN. There are currently 106,671 people hospitalized with the virus in the U.S.; 20,903 of them are currently in the ICU and 7,621 are currently on a ventilator, according to the COVID Tracking Project. On Thursday (Dec. 10), the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee is set to meet to discuss an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine.
FDA panel recommends authorization of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine A panel of experts for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that the agency authorize Pfizer's new COVID-19 vaccine in the United States. On Thursday (Dec. 10), the panel voted 17 to 4 to recommend that the vaccine receive emergency use authorization (EUA) for people ages 16 and older, according to The New York Times . The FDA typically follows the advice of its panels, and so today's vote is an important step towards the vaccine's authorization. It is anticipated that the agency will officially authorize the vaccine on Saturday (Dec. 12), the Times reported. Several countries have already authorized Pfizer's vaccine, including Canada, the United Kingdom and Bahrain.
Vaccine approval could come this weekend, as U.S. continues to record high daily death tolls On Thursday (Dec. 10), the U.S. recorded another 2,902 COVID-19 deaths, a day after the country set a record of 3,253 deaths, according to Reuters . “Probably for the next 60 to 90 days, we’re going to have more deaths per day than we had on 9/11 or we had at Pearl Harbor,” Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told the Council on Foreign Relations on Thursday, according to Reuters. "The reality is the vaccine approval this week is not going to really impact that, I think, to any degree for the next 60 days." On Thursday, the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee discussed, voted and recommended that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should grant an emergency use authorization for Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine has already been approved in the U.K. and in Canada, and FDA approval for use in the U.S. could come this weekend.
Australia abandons local COVID-19 vaccine after it caused false-positive HIV tests An Australian COVID-19 vaccine that had shown promising results in early trials is being abandoned after researchers found that the shot caused false-positive results on HIV tests. On Friday (Dec. 11), Australian officials said they had canceled an order for some 51 million doses of the vaccine, which was being developed by The University of Queensland and CSL Ltd., a local biotech company, according to The New York Times . In an early trial with 216 participants, the vaccine appeared to be safe and to produce a robust immune response against COVID-19, according to a statement from CSL . But some volunteers falsely tested positive for HIV, which officials feared would undermine trust in the vaccine, the Times reported. The vaccine contained small fragments of an HIV protein, which helped stabilize the vaccine. Some of the participants developed antibodies against these fragments, and these antibodies triggered false positive results on some HIV tests. It's important to note that there is no way for the vaccine to cause an HIV infection, because it contains harmless fragments of the virus.
ICU nurse in New York becomes first person in the US to receive a coronavirus vaccine outside of clinical trials New York, the worst-hit state at the start of the pandemic, just became the first to administer a coronavirus vaccine outside of clinical trials, kicking off a long, massive effort to vaccinate the American people, Live Science reported. Around 9 a.m. E.T. on Monday (Dec. 14), the very first dose of Pfizer and BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine was given to Sandra Lindsay, an intensive care nurse in Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, New York, according to The New York Times. This comes as the U.S. continues to battle a massive wave of the virus that has more than 109,000 people currently hospitalized, according to The COVID Tracking Project. Since the start of the pandemic, New York has recorded more than 780,000 cases of COVID-19 and more than 35,100 deaths, according to The Times. "This vaccine is exciting because I believe this is the weapon that will end the war," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said during a live broadcast of the first vaccination. "It's the beginning of the last chapter of the book, but now we just have to do it."
FDA analysis confirms Moderna's vaccine is safe and effective, emergency authorization is likely to come Friday A new briefing document from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released on Tuesday (Dec. 15) confirmed that Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, according to NPR . Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine is 94% effective and has "a favorable safety profile," according to the document. A panel of experts is set to meet on Thursday (Dec. 17) to discuss the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine and vote on whether or not the FDA should grant emergency approval to the vaccine. Last week, the same panel voted that the FDA should grant emergency approval to Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine; the authorization came a day late and the first doses were given on Monday (Dec. 15). The FDA will likely approve Moderna's vaccine for emergency use on Friday (Dec. 18), according to The New York Times .
FDA authorizes first over-the-counter COVID-19 test The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the first over-the-counter COVID-19 test, which can be done at home and does not need a prescription. The test, made by the Australia-based company Ellume, provides results in as little as 20 minutes, according to a statement from the FDA . It is a "lateral flow antigen test," meaning it works in a similar way to a home pregnancy test, by running a "liquid sample along a surface with reactive molecules," the FDA said. The test works in conjunction with a smartphone app. Users take a nasal swab and place their sample in an analyzer, which communicates to the smartphone app via Bluetooth. The results are delivered through the app, and also reported to public health authorities (based on a user's zip code) through a secure cloud connection, the company said . Ellume is ramping up production of its test, and expects to produce three million tests in January 2021, and 20 million within the first half of 2021.
A wild mink tested positive for the coronavirus, it may be the first wild animal to have a confirmed case A wild mink in Utah may be the first "free-ranging, native wild animal" confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Live Science reported. The mink was found near a mink farm and likely picked up the infection from the farmed mink. There's no evidence that the virus spread to other minks or wild animals; but if the virus does begin circulating in wild animals, it could pick up mutations that COVID-19 vaccines may not protect well against if it spreads back to humans, according to the report. "If it does [establish a reservoir], then we've got a long-term issue here, where this virus has the potential to be with us for millennia," Sarah Olson, associate director of the health program at the Wildlife Conservation Society, told Vox. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has screened other animal species for the virus near mink farms in Utah, Michigan and Wisconsin, but all of them have tested negative so far, according to a statement.
An FDA advisory panel will meet today to vote on whether to recommend Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for emergency approval On Thursday (Dec. 17), a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee will meet to determine whether to recommend that Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine for emergency approval, according to The New York Times . This panel, composed of independent experts, will vote on whether to recommend the vaccine after hearing from the company, FDA scientists and the public, according to The Times. Last week, the same panel of experts met to discuss Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine and voted to recommend emergency authorization; the authorization came the next day. There have now been more than 16.9 million cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. and more than 307,000 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins dashboard . There are currently 113,090 people hospitalized across the country with more than 21,900 of them in the ICU and 7,778 on a ventilator, according to The COVID Tracking Project .
California becomes new epicenter of COVID-19 in U.S. California, once praised for its early pandemic response, is now the new U.S. hotspot for COVID-19 infections. The state has reported an alarming surge in cases, breaking previous records for daily cases. On Thursday (Dec. 17), the state reported some 50,000 COVID-19 infections in 24 hours, and nearly 100,000 in 48 hours, according to The Washington Post . That's more than the daily cases reported in many countries, including India, Germany and Britain, the Post reported. The state also set a record for daily deaths on Thursday, with 379 fatalities reported, up from the previous high of 293. Capacity in intensive care units has also dropped dramatically, with hospitals in Southern California reporting zero percent capacity on Thursday. "I want to be very clear: Our hospitals are under siege, and our model shows no end in sight," said Christina Ghaly, director of Los Angeles County's Department of Health Services, the Post reported.
FDA expected to authorize Moderna's vaccine on Friday The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine on Friday (Dec. 18). Once authorized, it will be the second coronavirus vaccine to get the green light from the agency in just a week, with Pfizer's vaccine gaining authorization on Dec. 11. Moderna is expected to begin shipping 5.9 million doses of its vaccine on Sunday (Dec. 20), with the first deliveries arriving Monday (Dec. 21), according to The New York Times . Unlike the Pfizer vaccine, Moderna's vaccine does not require storage in extremely cold temperatures, and states are hoping to distribute the vaccine to rural hospitals and community health centers, the Times reported.
COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the U.S. There have now been more than 17 million cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. and more than 300,000 deaths, according to The COVID Tracking Project . There are currently 114,237 people hospitalized across the country and 21,900 people in the ICU. California is facing a massive surge in cases; the state reported 41,012 new COVID-19 cases and 300 new deaths on Thursday (Dec. 17), according to the state's COVID-19 dashboard . By comparison, at the start of November, California was reporting a seven-day average of 4,183 cases, compared to an average of 38,774 on Thursday, according to CNN . "We're experiencing an explosive and very deadly surge," Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles County Public Health Director said, according to CNN. Intensive care unit beds are rapidly filling up across the state; there are only 1,234 ICU beds left available in California, according to the dashboard. Current closures across California are impacting around 98% of the state's population, according to CNN.
London and southeast England are under an emergency lockdown Following concerns of a new version of the coronavirus that might be more transmissible, London and most of southeast England are now under an emergency lockdown, according to The New York Times . Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the lockdown on Saturday (Dec. 19) citing concerns that the mutated virus — which was detected a couple of weeks ago in southeast England — may be as much as 70% more transmissible than previous versions, according to the Times. The new version of the coronavirus is detected in more than 60% of new infections in London and have also been detected in several other countries, according to the Times. But it's not yet clear if this coronavirus version is any more infectious than the last and thorough analyses will need to be conducted before conclusions are made, scientists cautioned. In South Africa, a similar version of the virus has been found in up to 90% of new cases detected since mid-November, according to The Times . It's common for viruses to mutate, and this particular coronavirus has mutated many times since the start of the pandemic. But experts told The Times that it would take years for the virus to mutate enough such that it would make the current vaccines developed to fight COVID-19 ineffective.
Biden gets Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine President-elect Joe Biden received a dose of Pfizer's new COVID-19 vaccine on Monday (Dec. 21), according to The New York Times . He received the shot on camera at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware. "I'm doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared when it's available to take the vaccine. There's nothing to worry about," Biden said.
Antarctica has its 1st COVID-19 outbreak The first COVID-19 cases have been reported in Antarctica , meaning the disease has now spread to every continent in the world. On Tuesday (Dec. 22), Chilean officials reported an outbreak of 36 COVID-19 cases at the Chilean research base General Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme on the Antarctic Peninsula, according to the BBC . Of these, 26 cases were military personnel and 10 were maintenance workers, the BBC reported. All of these cases have been evacuated from Antarctica to Punta Arenas, Chile, according to The Guardian . Antarctica had been COVID-19 free up until the current outbreak. The continent has no permanent residents, but about 1,000 people, including scientists and other workers, stayed there this past winter, The Guardian reported.
Live updates will continue in 2021!


livescience--2020-11-25--The world's newest monkey species was found in a lab, not on an expedition

The discovery of the Popa langur , a medium-sized leaf-eating monkey found in central Myanmar , was recently announced by scientists .
It is estimated there are just 200 to 250 of these monkeys , which will likely mean the new species is classed as `` critically endangered . ''
This find was announced just a week or so after two new species of greater glider – a gliding marsupial – were identified in Australia .
But what do scientists mean when they announce the discovery of `` new '' mammalian species ?
Were these animals really unknown to science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the gliders are certainly exciting , it is important to clarify that these were not previously unseen species uncovered by some intrepid explorer .
Rather , these animals have been identified as a genetically distinct group within an already-known population .
In fact , local people have been living with these animals for generations , and have their own ways of identifying and classifying species .
When scholars announce a newly defined species based on genetic evidence , it usually means they have elevated an already defined subspecies to the species level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they seemed when we first learned about them in school .
Most scholars use the “ biological species concept ” , which is based on whether the animals are able to produce fertile offspring together , but there are many other ways to define a species .
Like most other recently-described primates , the Popa langur has been identified using genetic information , or the phylogenetic species concept .
This is based on how animals relate to other groups in evolutionary terms , essentially defining a species as the smallest group that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still shares a clear ancestor .
Elevation of a subspecies to new species based on genetic information can be controversial .
Some scholars dismiss these discoveries as “ taxonomic inflation ” , and worry that changing classifications can confuse conservation efforts .
Others note that without a name and reliable population estimate , these little pockets of genetic variation could easily go extinct without notice , and that elevating them to species level ensures that conservation funding and efforts are directed to these at-risk groups .
Wherever you stand , it is worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – under any definition – is a human construct to explain variation in the natural world , and no definition will be a perfect representation of biological variation .
The newly described Popa langur was discovered through a phylogenetic study which sought to better understand the evolutionary relationships among the 20 known species of the genus Trachypithecus – known informally as the langurs , lutungs , or leaf monkeys .
Scientists used faecal samples from wild langurs and tissue samples from museum specimens to clarify taxonomic relationships across the genus .
One group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence showed that there were clear western and eastern varieties , but that a central population did not fit into either of these .
The western and eastern varieties , which were previously named subspecies of Phayre ’ s langur , were then elevated to the species level ( Phayre ’ s langur or Trachypithecus phayrei and the Shan State langur or T. melamera , respectively ) .
The remaining population was called Trachypithecus popa – the Popa langur , after nearby Mount Popa .
This newly defined species lives in four distinct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extinction due to its small numbers , deforestation , and the effects of agriculture and timber extraction .
It may come as a surprise to hear that a newly-discovered species is at risk of extinction , but this is often the case with genetic reclassifications .
The two previously named subspecies from which the Popa langur was identified were already classified as “ endangered ” under the official International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN ) red list criteria , which means that these already-threatened animals now have an even smaller population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subspecies – Phayre ’ s and the Shan State langur , now species in their own right – will need to be re-evaluated for extinction risk .
The Popa langur has not yet been classified but the study authors suggest that it should fall under the category of “ critically endangered ” , due to its small and fragmented population and the limited habitat it has available .
Genetic reclassifications can be an important reminder to focus conservation efforts at higher taxonomic levels .
For example , the aye-aye , an odd nocturnal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , represents a monospecific genus – a genus with only a single living species .
There is no living creature quite like an aye-aye , so its extinction would be a great loss of genetic , ecological , and behavioral diversity .
The Popa langur , by contrast , is one of roughly 20 species in the langur genus Trachypithecus , who all share a relatively recent evolutionary history .
Nevertheless , the identification of each new primate species tells us a little more about the diversity of this fascinating order of mammals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is genetically distinct from neighboring populations , we can better prioritize conservation efforts for this group of animals .
This new classification will be vital for generating conservation funds to protect this rare monkey and its environment .
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the original article .
Follow all of the Expert Voices issues and debates — and become part of the discussion — on Facebook and Twitter .
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views @ @ @ @

The discovery of the Popa langur, a medium-sized leaf-eating monkey found in central Myanmar, was recently announced by scientists. It is estimated there are just 200 to 250 of these monkeys, which will likely mean the new species is classed as "critically endangered." This find was announced just a week or so after two new species of greater glider – a gliding marsupial – were identified in Australia. But what do scientists mean when they announce the discovery of "new" mammalian species? Were these animals really unknown to science?
While discoveries such as the langur and the gliders are certainly exciting, it is important to clarify that these were not previously unseen species uncovered by some intrepid explorer. Rather, these animals have been identified as a genetically distinct group within an already-known population. In fact, local people have been living with these animals for generations, and have their own ways of identifying and classifying species. When scholars announce a newly defined species based on genetic evidence, it usually means they have elevated an already defined subspecies to the species level.
Species are not as clear-cut as they seemed when we first learned about them in school. Most scholars use the “biological species concept”, which is based on whether the animals are able to produce fertile offspring together, but there are many other ways to define a species. Like most other recently-described primates, the Popa langur has been identified using genetic information, or the phylogenetic species concept. This is based on how animals relate to other groups in evolutionary terms, essentially defining a species as the smallest group that can be genetically distinguished from another species but still shares a clear ancestor.
Elevation of a subspecies to new species based on genetic information can be controversial. Some scholars dismiss these discoveries as “taxonomic inflation”, and worry that changing classifications can confuse conservation efforts. Others note that without a name and reliable population estimate, these little pockets of genetic variation could easily go extinct without notice, and that elevating them to species level ensures that conservation funding and efforts are directed to these at-risk groups. Wherever you stand, it is worth noting that the idea of a species – under any definition – is a human construct to explain variation in the natural world, and no definition will be a perfect representation of biological variation.
Identifying a new species
The newly described Popa langur was discovered through a phylogenetic study which sought to better understand the evolutionary relationships among the 20 known species of the genus Trachypithecus – known informally as the langurs, lutungs, or leaf monkeys. Scientists used faecal samples from wild langurs and tissue samples from museum specimens to clarify taxonomic relationships across the genus.
One group of langurs stood out – the genetic evidence showed that there were clear western and eastern varieties, but that a central population did not fit into either of these. The western and eastern varieties, which were previously named subspecies of Phayre’s langur, were then elevated to the species level (Phayre’s langur or Trachypithecus phayrei and the Shan State langur or T. melamera, respectively). The remaining population was called Trachypithecus popa – the Popa langur, after nearby Mount Popa. This newly defined species lives in four distinct populations, and is at risk of extinction due to its small numbers, deforestation, and the effects of agriculture and timber extraction.
It may come as a surprise to hear that a newly-discovered species is at risk of extinction, but this is often the case with genetic reclassifications. The two previously named subspecies from which the Popa langur was identified were already classified as “endangered” under the official International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list criteria, which means that these already-threatened animals now have an even smaller population than previously believed. Both of those subspecies – Phayre’s and the Shan State langur, now species in their own right – will need to be re-evaluated for extinction risk. The Popa langur has not yet been classified but the study authors suggest that it should fall under the category of “critically endangered”, due to its small and fragmented population and the limited habitat it has available.
Genetic reclassifications can be an important reminder to focus conservation efforts at higher taxonomic levels. For example, the aye-aye, an odd nocturnal primate found in the forests of Madagascar, represents a monospecific genus – a genus with only a single living species. There is no living creature quite like an aye-aye, so its extinction would be a great loss of genetic, ecological, and behavioral diversity. The Popa langur, by contrast, is one of roughly 20 species in the langur genus Trachypithecus, who all share a relatively recent evolutionary history.
Nevertheless, the identification of each new primate species tells us a little more about the diversity of this fascinating order of mammals. By understanding that the Popa langur is genetically distinct from neighboring populations, we can better prioritize conservation efforts for this group of animals. This new classification will be vital for generating conservation funds to protect this rare monkey and its environment.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Follow all of the Expert Voices issues and debates — and become part of the discussion — on Facebook and Twitter. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.


livescience--2020-11-25--Best microscopes for kids 2020

Best microscopes for kids 2020

If your curious kid is already developing a fascination for science ( and exploring the world around them ) , having their own microscope opens the door for all kinds of fun experiments — from inspecting backyard flora to scrutinizing itty-bitty bugs .
Let ’ s go exploring !
What are the best microscopes for kids ?
At the top of our list you ’ ll find the AmScope 120X-1200X 52-pcs Kids Beginner Microscope STEM Kit ( M30-ABS-KT2-W ) .
This powerful compound microscope for kids is more than just a tool , it ’ s a complete kit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ brine shrimp experiment , and all the accessories your child will need to get started .
For the toddling demographic , kick off their STEM-friendly schooling with the Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope .
This dynamic , highly interactive microscope brings Mother Nature to life , and it ’ ll keep your preschooler entertained for hours .
The National Geographic Dual LED Student Microscope is another best-selling instrument that ’ s more of a tool than it is a toy .
Bundled with over 50 scientific accessories ( such as tweezers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more ) , learning has never been more accessible .
The best microscopes for kids you can buy today Best for viewing : internal cell structures , plant life , insects , skin and tissue For an entry-level microscope , the AmScope 120X-1200X 52-pcs Kids Beginner Microscope STEM Kit is the full package .
Literally .
The monocular viewing head is equipped with an LED light source and built-in color filter wheel , providing up to 1200X magnification with its rotating turret .
( Two AA batteries , which are included in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What makes this microscope STEM-friendly , you ask ?
That would be all the tools that come along with it : The carrying case is packed with tweezers , prepared slides , collection vials , a petri dish , a replacement light bulb and more .
( There ’ s a whopping 49 accessories total . )
In short , the Amscope M30-ABS-KT2-W microscope is ready to use right out of the box — no additional purchases required .
One unique feature of this microscope is the bundled shrimp hatchery experiment , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scientific method by observing the life cycle of these tiny aquatic creatures , taking notes from these observations , and analyzing the hatching process .
And if this purchase sparks a lasting interest in your household , AmScope offers a variety of , in addition to other .
From the instrument itself to the extra educational accessories , this is one of the best microscopes for kids you ’ ll find on the market today .
The Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope is a casual classroom in a box .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the narration of young Australian conservationist Bindi Irwin , who teaches your child more than 100 interesting factoids about plants and animals through an integrated microphone .
The built-in storage compartment houses 20 slides ( featuring three images per slide ) , which can be used for two different modes of play : Fact or Quiz .
In the former mode , the microscope identifies these images out loud , reciting fun facts for your child to learn ; in the latter mode , Bindi quizzes your child on their general knowledge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with English , Spanish , French and German audio options , while a second model includes Mandarin , Japanese and Korean .
These interactive , STEM-friendly features make the Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope one of the best microscopes for kids ( particularly those in preschool ) .
It ’ ll keep them busy for hours on end .
Best for viewing : internal cell structures , skin and tissue , rocks and minerals These days , National Geographic is more than just a bright yellow magazine .
Much more , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a variety of science-centric toys ( err , tools ) for kids , and their Dual LED Student Microscope is one of our top picks .
In order for a tech toy to be considered STEM-friendly , it needs to encourage a higher level of education in four disciplines ( science , technology , engineering , mathematics ) , and this microscope fills the bill .
It comes bundled with over 50 accessories for learning , including 10 prepared nature slides , a petri dish , a mini geode , two sets of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a comprehensive learning guide .
Thanks to a pair of complementary LED lights , you can use this microscope to view slides or 3D objects with the flip of a switch .
Like the AmScope microscope , this one comes with its own brine shrimp experiment , complete with shrimp eggs and a hatchery station .
Your kid will be so engaged , they won ’ t realize they ’ re absorbing so much knowledge .
Best for viewing : dissection experiments , internal cell structures , skin and tissue The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just standalone devices ; they come bundled with all sorts of useful extras .
Such is the case with the Educational Insights Nancy B 's Science Club Microscope , another colorful option that gets consistently high user reviews .
Genuine scientific research is all about data collection , and this microscope gets that ball rolling with a 22-page activity journal .
Powered by two LED lights ( and 3 AAA batteries ) , the microscope itself can achieve an impressive range of 30X to 400X magnification , which is perfect for getting up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , plants and bugs your backyard has to offer .
Let the specimen collection begin !
Best for viewing : dissection experiments , internal cell structures , plants , rock and minerals The My First Lab Duo-Scope Microscope ( MFL-06 ) has a lot to offer in the hands-on learning department .
This 50-piece kit , like most other kits , comes with all sorts of scientific accessories ( blank slides , a plastic test tube , tweezers ) , in addition to an experiment guide and operating manual .
The lightweight design @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the monocular eyepiece allows up to 400X magnification for whatever the next experiment entails ; it functions as a compound and stereo microscope in one .
It ’ s more expensive than other microscopes on this list , but it ’ s also a higher-quality tool ; the optics are made from glass ( as opposed to plastic , like some models ) , and the durable metal-and-plastic body is built to last .
For preteens with a serious interest in science , this could be their first mini-lab .
Best for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and minerals , hair and skin tissue The Omano JuniorScope is a professional-looking 400X monocular microscope that ’ s a great gift for grade-schoolers .
Constructed from glass , plastic and metal components , it ’ s heavier and more durable than many microscopes for kids .
From examining rocks to marveling at miniscule plant cells , young students can use this fantastic LED-powered microscope to magnify nature in crystal clarity .
The JuniorScope comes with batteries preinstalled , so it ’ s ready to use right out of the box .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of scientific tools ( slides , tweezers , a dropper , petri dish , etc . )
to aid students every step of the way .
Bonus : The microscope comes with five experiment cards ( $ 18.99 value ) to help your child learn how to use their new research equipment .
As its colorful branding implies , the Kidzlane Microscope Science Toy for Kids was built with the younger crowd in mind .
This beginner microscope , meant for ages 3 and up , is bound to spark their curiosity as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Designed specifically for younger children with small hands ( ages 3 and up ) , you needn ’ t worry about sharp edges here .
Another STEM-friendly entry to this list , the Kidzlane Microscope comes with tweezers , a ( plastic ) scalpel , and pretend spider and lizard specimens to make your kid feel like they have their own lab ; they ’ ll build hand-eye coordination as they position objects beneath the viewfinder , and the included activity book encourages critical thinking skills with a variety of fun experiments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plants , seashells , rocks and minerals Backyard exploration doesn ’ t have to break the bank .
The Carson MicroBrite Plus LED Lighted Pocket Microscope is an excellent case in point ; this handheld stereo microscope is small enough to slip into any pocket , and the battery-powered LED light illuminates objects ( up to 120X ) in the palm of your hand .
The aspherical lens system is surprisingly robust , resulting in bright , clear imagery all around .
For casual summertime beach excursions to winter woodland walks , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nature hike .
Curious minds of all ages will enjoy the Carson MicroBrite Plus LED Lighted Pocket Microscope .
Best for viewing : dissection experiments , internal cell structures , hair and skin tissue Is your kid a scientific prodigy ?
Then maybe you should give their lab an upgrade .
For high-school students who are ready to take their experiments to the next ( micro ) level , the OMAX MD82ES10 40X-2000X Digital LED Compound Microscope looks as professional as its name sounds out loud .
The swiveling binocular head has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compatible with both Mac and Windows , allowing the microscope to take pictures and video clips of various projects .
This digital microscope for kids offers eight LED-illuminated levels of magnification , from 40X to 2000X ; there are two coaxial knobs for coarse and fine focusing , and the mechanical stage is easy to adjust .
There ’ s also a sliding interpupillary distance adjustment , which means the microscope is customizable to virtually any face size .
For the price , it would have been nice for OMAX to throw in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , but if you ’ re raising the next Doogie Howser , your child ’ s eyes will light up like an LED bulb when they see this microscope .
Best for viewing : plants , insects , rocks and minerals Ditching the manual microscope controls that you ’ d normally expect from this technology ( for example , bulky adjustment knobs and dials ) , the Skybasic Digital Microscope is as portable as it is versatile .
This 50X to 1000X microscope is wireless and designed to work in conjunction with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clever little tool streams pictures and videos of magnified images right to your phone from up to 33 feet away — no wires required .
The 2-megapixel camera catches beautiful 1080p images , and the built-in LED lights can be adjusted for proper brightness levels .
The controls for this microscope are super simple , too , which means your kid will probably figure out how to use it quicker than you will .
How to choose the best microscopes for kids Before introducing your family to the microscopic world of insects and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Most kid-friendly microscopes have a price point of $ 50 or less , but there are plenty of premium picks that cost $ 75 or more .
These days , you can get a cheap microscope for under $ 30 ; low-end models usually have weaker magnifications , cheaper build quality and fewer bundled accessories .
( For preschool-level microscopes , however , weak magnification is actually preferred . )
Focus and magnification - For small , fidgety humans , overly powerful optics might actually be counterproductive .
When it comes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule of thumb : The younger the child , the lower the magnification .
Magnifications between 5X and 400X are common recommendations for kids under the age of 10 .
For older investigators , consider microscopes with more powerful optics .
Note : Monocular microscopes work well up to 1000X , but for higher magnification levels , binocular microscopes are a necessary investment .
Size , shape and build quality - Look for sturdy build materials , such as aluminum alloy and heavy-duty plastics .
If the microscope is for someone under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably want one that can take a little abuse .
Some microscopes are specifically built for tiny fingers , while others can be used by explorers of all ages .
For children under 5 , look for extra kid-friendly features , like rounded edges , rubberized ( shockproof ) construction and padded eyepieces .
High-power vs. low-power - Low-power ( ie , “ stereo ” ) microscopes are useful for viewing opaque objects ( think rocks and coins ) ; the light source is divided into two separate paths to produce a 3D @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compound ” ) microscopes are meant for viewing translucent materials such as plant cells or viral bacteria ; there is only one light source to produce a flat-plane view .
Light sources - All microscopes require a light source ; the most common ones are LED , halogen and fluorescent .
On account of their brightness and longevity , LED lights are pretty popular when it comes to microscope hardware .
If your microscope uses multiple bulbs , check to see if it comes with any replacements ; some bulbs are trickier to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accessories - Some microscopes come with just the basics , but the best microscopes for kids include useful accessories , such as activity books , specimen slides , carrying cases , sample experiments and complementary science tools .

Learn about the smaller side of the world with the best microscopes for kids.
Because their brains are constantly developing and taking in new information, kids are naturally curious and interested in learning more about the world around them. Microscopes give these kids the opportunity to learn about an otherwise unreachable environment. But how do they work?
A microscope makes tiny things easier to see by using light to enhance the size and quality of a specimen or object. Essentially, it’s an extremely powerful magnifier to look at things like bacteria or cells. There are two types of microscopes: an optical version that relies on a lens system and an electron version that uses electrons instead of light. And while everyone can use a microscope, different types are better suited for specific projects or age groups. A children’s version is usually a simplified version of a more complex machine geared toward scientists, researchers, or adults.
Finding a suitable microscope can be challenging whether you have shopped for one. First, it’s important to figure out the specifics: What is your child interested in? Do you need a waterproof model? How skilled is your child in handling technology or scientific equipment?
In most cases, parents, educators, and other consumers are looking for a durable, reasonably priced model with additional accessories or projects. The Live Science team has created this guide to help narrow your search for the best microscope for kids.
Want more home science equipment for your young learners? Our guide to the best science kits for kids has all kinds of fun experiments for them to experience. And if your kids are a little older, you can also check out our guide to the best microscopes for students too.
Related: Are you looking for more ways to teach your child about science? Check out our guide to the best binoculars for kids.
Best microscopes for kids overall
(Image credit: AmScope)
AmScope 120X-1200X Kids Beginner Microscope STEM Kit The best STEM-friendly microscope kit for scientists-in-training Our expert review: Average Amazon review: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Specifications Age range: 6+ Microscope type: Compound Max Magnification: 1200X Carrying case included: Yes Size: 15.8 x 14.6 x 5.1 inches Weight: 2.9 pounds Today's Best Deals View at Amazon Reasons to buy + 1200X magnification + Durable design + Carrying case included Reasons to avoid - Unsuitable for preschoolers
At the top of our list you’ll find the AmScope 120X-1200X 52-pcs Kids Beginner Microscope STEM Kit (M30-ABS-KT2-W). This powerful compound microscope for kids is more than just a tool, it’s a complete kit. The 52-piece set comes with a neat brine shrimp experiment, and all the accessories your child will need to get started.
It's well built with an all-metal frame and offers easy magnification adjustments and a color filter wheel. There is also an LED light to help you illuminate your subject and a selection of materials and insects to view under the scope.
If you're looking for a microscope to help your kids learn that won't break the bank, then the AmScope 120X-1200X 52-pcs Kids Beginner Microscope is a fantastic choice.
(Image credit: My First Lab)
My First Lab Duo-Scope Microscope One of the best microscopes for budding biologists everywhere Our expert review: Average Amazon review: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Specifications Age range: 9+ Microscope type: Stereo / Compound Max Magnification: 400X Carrying case included: No Size: 12.2 x 6.1 x 5.1 inches Weight: 2.7 pounds Today's Best Deals View at Amazon Reasons to buy + 50-piece science kit + Quality optics + Durable design Reasons to avoid - More expensive - Unsuitable for very young kids
Best for viewing dissection experiments, internal cell structures, plants, rock and minerals. The My First Lab Duo-Scope Microscope (MFL-06) has a lot to offer in the hands-on learning department. This 50-piece kit, like most other kits, comes with all sorts of scientific accessories (blank slides, a plastic test tube, tweezers), in addition to an experiment guide and operating manual.
The lightweight design is durable enough for outdoor use, and the monocular eyepiece allows up to 400X magnification for whatever the next experiment entails; it functions as a compound and stereo microscope in one. It's more expensive than other microscopes on this list, but it’s also a higher-quality tool; the optics are made from glass (as opposed to plastic, like some models), and the durable metal-and-plastic body is built to last. For preteens with a serious interest in science, this could be their first mini-lab.
Best budget microscopes
(Image credit: Carson)
Carson MicroBrite Plus LED Lighted Pocket Microscope An inexpensive, pocket-sized microscope the whole family can enjoy Our expert review: Specifications Age range: 8+ Microscope type: Stereo Max Magnification: 120X Carrying case included: No Size: 14 x 9 x 6 inches Weight: 3 pounds Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at Amazon View at Newegg Reasons to buy + Easy to use + 120X magnification Reasons to avoid - Case not included - Battery not included
This one is great for viewing coins, plants, seashells, rocks and minerals, and proves that backyard exploration doesn’t have to break the bank. The Carson MicroBrite Plus LED Lighted Pocket Microscope is an excellent case in point; this handheld stereo microscope is small enough to slip into any pocket, and the battery-powered LED light illuminates objects (up to 120X) in the palm of your hand. The aspherical lens system is surprisingly robust, resulting in bright, clear imagery all around.
For casual summertime beach excursions to winter woodland walks, this is a great complement to your next nature hike. Curious minds of all ages will enjoy the Carson MicroBrite Plus LED Lighted Pocket Microscope.
(Image credit: SkyBasic)
Skybasic Digital Microscope One of the best digital microscopes for students of all ages Our expert review: Specifications Age range: 5+ Microscope type: Digital Max Magnification: 1000X Carrying case included: No Size: 6.5 x 4.7 x 1.9 inches Weight: 10.4 ounces Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Simple design + 1000X magnification + 2-MP camera Reasons to avoid - Expensive - Unsuitable for toddlers
Ditching the manual microscope controls that you’d normally expect from this technology (for example, bulky adjustment knobs and dials), the Skybasic Digital Microscope is as portable as it is versatile. This 50X to 1000X microscope is wireless and designed to work in conjunction with your Android or iOs device. This clever little tool streams pictures and videos of magnified images right to your phone from up to 33 feet away — no wires required.
The 2-megapixel camera catches beautiful 1080p images, and the built-in LED lights can be adjusted for proper brightness levels. The controls for this microscope are super simple, too, which means your kid will probably figure out how to use it quicker than you will. This one is perfect for viewing plants, insects, rocks and minerals.
Best microscopes for pre-schoolers
(Image credit: Educational Insights)
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope A terrific talking microscope for the pre-school crowd Our expert review: Average Amazon review: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Specifications Age range: 4+ Microscope type: Stereo Max Magnification: 5X Carrying case included: No Size: 10.1 x 8.1 x 5.6 inches Weight: 1.5 pounds Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at Target View at Newegg Reasons to buy + Interactive features + Multiple language modes Reasons to avoid - Weak magnification
The Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope is a casual classroom in a box. That’s because this novel microscope features the narration of young Australian conservationist Bindi Irwin, who teaches your child more than 100 interesting factoids about plants and animals through an integrated microphone.
The built-in storage compartment houses 20 slides (featuring three images per slide), which can be used for two different modes of play: Fact or Quiz. In the former mode, the microscope identifies these images out loud, reciting fun facts for your child to learn; in the latter mode, Bindi quizzes your child on their general knowledge of each slide.
The standard model comes with English, Spanish, French and German audio options, while a second model includes Mandarin, Japanese and Korean.
These interactive, STEM-friendly features make the Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope one of the best microscopes for kids (particularly those in preschool). It’ll keep them busy for hours on end.
(Image credit: Kidzlane)
Kidzlane Microscope Science Toy for Kids One of the best microscopes for curious toddlers Our expert review: Specifications Age range: 3+ Microscope type: Stereo Max Magnification: 8X Carrying case included: No Size: 8.2 x 7.6 x 6.6 inches Weight: 1,7 pounds Today's Best Deals View at Amazon Reasons to buy + STEM-friendly education + Activity booklet included Reasons to avoid - Batteries not included
As its colorful branding implies, the Kidzlane Microscope Science Toy for Kids was built with the younger crowd in mind. This beginner microscope, meant for ages 3 and up, is bound to spark their curiosity as they examine everyday objects in finer detail. Designed specifically for younger children with small hands (ages 3 and up), you needn’t worry about sharp edges here.
Another STEM-friendly entry to this list, the Kidzlane Microscope comes with tweezers, a (plastic) scalpel, and pretend spider and lizard specimens to make your kid feel like they have their own lab; they’ll build hand-eye coordination as they position objects beneath the viewfinder, and the included activity book encourages critical thinking skills with a variety of fun experiments.
(Image credit: Educational Insights)
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. My First Kids Microscope A great cheap microscope for toddlers. Our expert review: Specifications Age range: 3-6 years Microscope type: Not specified Max Magnification: 8X Carrying case included: Yes Size: 1.1 x 8.1 x 10 inches Weight: 1,1 pounds Today's Best Deals Visit Site Reasons to buy + Under $20, + Easily maneuverable for small hands Reasons to avoid - Requires batteries - No slide clips
The Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. provides kids with an easy, hands-on experience with their first microscope. With large knobs and two extra-large eyepieces, they won’t have any trouble looking at objects they find. The large tray also allows for examining larger things like leaves, rocks, or flowers. Starting at 2.5x magnification, kids can gradually adjust the visual field for a chance to learn about their findings without becoming overwhelmed.
Not only does this enhance their learning experience, but it also allows them to go at their own pace! The fun isn’t limited to the microscope, either. A host of free activities are included with this package, along with 12 pre-designed slides. To use this microscope, all you need are three AAA batteries.
Best microscopes for students
(Image credit: National Geographic)
National Geographic Dual LED Student Microscope The best microscope for kids and pre-teens Our expert review: Average Amazon review: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Specifications Age range: 6+ Microscope type: Stereo / Compound Max Magnification: 50X Carrying case included: Yes Size: 12.5 x 7.3 x 5.7 inches Weight: 2 pounds Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at Amazon View at Newegg Reasons to buy + STEM-friendly tools included + Quality design Reasons to avoid - Unsuitable for toddlers - Lower magnification
These days, National Geographic is more than just a bright yellow magazine. Much more, in fact. The iconic wildlife brand offers a variety of science-centric toys (err, tools) for kids, and their Dual LED Student Microscope is one of our top picks.
In order for a tech toy to be considered STEM-friendly, it needs to encourage a higher level of education in four disciplines (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), and this microscope fills the bill. It comes bundled with over 50 accessories for learning, including 10 prepared nature slides, a petri dish, a mini geode, two sets of optical lenses (20X and 50X), and a comprehensive learning guide. Thanks to a pair of complementary LED lights, you can use this microscope to view slides or 3D objects with the flip of a switch. It's best for viewing internal cell structures, skin and tissue, rocks and minerals.
Like the AmScope microscope, this one comes with its own brine shrimp experiment, complete with shrimp eggs and a hatchery station. Your kid will be so engaged, they won’t realize they’re absorbing so much knowledge.
(Image credit: AmScope)
OMAX MD82ES10 40X-2000X Digital LED Compound Microscope A premium microscope with impressive 2000X magnification Our expert review: Specifications Age range: 10+ Microscope type: Compound / Digital Max Magnification: 2000X Carrying case included: No Size: 16.5 x 11.7 x 7.7 inches Weight: 7.3 pounds Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at Amazon Reasons to buy + 2000X magnification + 1.3-MP camera Reasons to avoid - Carrying bag not included
Is your kid a scientific prodigy? Then maybe you should give their lab an upgrade. For high-school students who are ready to take their experiments to the next (micro) level, the OMAX MD82ES10 40X-2000X Digital LED Compound Microscope looks as professional as its name sounds out loud. The swiveling binocular head has a built-in 1.3-megapixel USB camera that’s compatible with both Mac and Windows, allowing the microscope to take pictures and video clips of various projects.
This digital microscope for kids offers eight LED-illuminated levels of magnification, from 40X to 2000X; there are two coaxial knobs for coarse and fine focusing, and the mechanical stage is easy to adjust. There’s also a sliding interpapillary distance adjustment, which means the microscope is customizable to virtually any face size.
For the price, it would have been nice for OMAX to throw in a carrying case (though one is sold separately), but if you’re raising the next Doogie Howser, your child’s eyes will light up like an LED bulb when they see this microscope. This one is perfect for dissection experiments, internal cell structures, hair and skin tissue.
Best beginner microscopes
(Image credit: Educational Insights)
Educational Insights Nancy B's Science Club Microscope One of the best beginner microscopes for kids Our expert review: Average Amazon review: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Specifications Age range: 8+ Microscope type: Compound Max Magnification: 400X Carrying case included: No Size: 9.2 x 8.7 x 4.3 inches Weight: 1.9 pounds Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at Target View at Newegg Reasons to buy + 400X magnification + Activity journal included Reasons to avoid - Unsuitable for toddlers
The best microscopes for kids aren’t just standalone devices; they come bundled with all sorts of useful extras. Such is the case with the Educational Insights Nancy B's Science Club Microscope, another colorful option that gets consistently high user reviews. Genuine scientific research is all about data collection, and this microscope gets that ball rolling with a 22-page activity journal.
Powered by two LED lights (and 3 AAA batteries), the microscope itself can achieve an impressive range of 30X to 400X magnification, which is perfect for getting up close and personal with all the rocks, plants and bugs your backyard has to offer. Let the specimen collection begin!
(Image credit: Omano)
Omano JuniorScope A quality microscope for kids that's bundled with fun experiments Our expert review: Specifications Age range: 8+ Microscope type: Stereo / Compound Max Magnification: 400X Carrying case included: No Size: 14 x 9 x 6 inches Weight: 3 pounds Today's Best Deals View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Experiment cards included + Batteries included Reasons to avoid - More expensive than competitors
The Omano JuniorScope is a professional-looking 400X monocular microscope that’s a great gift for grade-schoolers. You'll find it most useful for plants, insects, rocks and minerals, hair and skin tissue. Constructed from glass, plastic and metal components, it’s heavier and more durable than many microscopes for kids. From examining rocks to marveling at miniscule plant cells, young students can use this fantastic LED-powered microscope to magnify nature in crystal clarity.
The JuniorScope comes with batteries preinstalled, so it’s ready to use right out of the box. The microscope is also bundled with a variety of scientific tools (slides, tweezers, a dropper, petri dish, etc.) to aid students every step of the way.
Bonus: The microscope comes with five experiment cards ($18.99 value) to help your child learn how to use their new research equipment.
How to choose the best microscopes for kids
Before introducing your family to the microscopic world of insects and plants, consider these factors:
Budget - Most kid-friendly microscopes have a price point of $50 or less, but there are plenty of premium picks that cost $75 or more. These days, you can get a cheap microscope for under $30; low-end models usually have weaker magnifications, cheaper build quality and fewer bundled accessories. (For preschool-level microscopes, however, weak magnification is actually preferred.)
Focus and magnification - For small, fidgety humans, overly powerful optics might actually be counterproductive. When it comes to your budding biologists, here's a rule of thumb: The younger the child, the lower the magnification. Magnifications between 5X and 400X are common recommendations for kids under the age of 10. For older investigators, consider microscopes with more powerful optics.
Note: Monocular microscopes work well up to 1000X, but for higher magnification levels, binocular microscopes are a necessary investment.
Size, shape and build quality - Look for sturdy build materials, such as aluminum alloy and heavy-duty plastics. If the microscope is for someone under the age of 10, you’ll probably want one that can take a little abuse. Some microscopes are specifically built for tiny fingers, while others can be used by explorers of all ages. For children under 5, look for extra kid-friendly features, like rounded edges, rubberized (shockproof) construction and padded eyepieces.
High-power vs. low-power - Low-power (ie, “stereo”) microscopes are useful for viewing opaque objects (think rocks and coins); the light source is divided into two separate paths to produce a 3D view. High-power (ie, “compound”) microscopes are meant for viewing translucent materials such as plant cells or viral bacteria; there is only one light source to produce a flat-plane view.
Light sources - All microscopes require a light source; the most common ones are LED, halogen and fluorescent. On account of their brightness and longevity, LED lights are pretty popular when it comes to microscope hardware. If your microscope uses multiple bulbs, check to see if it comes with any replacements; some bulbs are trickier to replace than others.
Extra features and accessories - Some microscopes come with just the basics, but the best microscopes for kids include useful accessories, such as activity books, specimen slides, carrying cases, sample experiments and complementary science tools.


livescience--2020-11-25--Roman-era Egyptian child mummy scanned with laser-like precision

An Egyptian that was decorated with a woman 's portrait contained a surprise — the body of a child who was only 5 years old when she died .
Now , scientists have learned more about the mysterious girl and her burial , thanks to high-resolution scans and `` microbeams '' that targeted very small regions in the intact artifact .
( CT ) scans of the mummy 's teeth and femur confirmed the girl 's age , though they showed no signs of trauma in her bones that could suggest the cause of her death .
Targeted , high-intensity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been placed on the child 's abdomen , scientists reported in a new study .
Scans performed on the mummy about two decades ago were low contrast , and many details were hard to see .
For the new analysis , researchers conducted new CT scans to visualize the mummy 's structure in its entirety .
They then focused on specific regions using X-ray diffraction , in which a tightly concentrated beam of X-rays bounces off the in crystalline structures ; variations in the diffraction patterns reveal what type of material the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time that X-ray diffraction has been used on an intact mummy , said lead study author Stuart Stock , a research professor of cell and developmental biology in the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago .
The mummy , known as `` Hawara Portrait Mummy No .
4 , '' is in the collection of Northwestern University 's Block Museum of Art .
It was excavated between 1910 and 1911 from the site of Hawara , and it dates to around the first century A.D. , when Egypt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Roman era in Egypt , they started making mummies with portraits attached to the front surface , '' Stock told Live Science .
`` Many thousands were made , but most of the portraits have been removed from the mummies we have — maybe only 100 to 150 still have the portrait attached to the mummy , '' he said .
Though the portrait on Mummy No .
4 showed an adult woman , the small size of the mummy hinted otherwise — and the scans confirmed that the mummy was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her permanent teeth had emerged .
Her body measured 37 inches ( 937 millimeters ) from the top of her skull to the soles of her feet , and the wrappings added another 2 inches ( 50 mm ) , according to the study .
The researchers also detected 36 needle-like structures in the case — 11 around the head and neck , 20 near the feet and five by the torso .
X-ray diffraction determined that these were modern metal wires or pins that may have been added to stabilize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One surprising find was an irregular layer of sediment in the mummy 's wrappings , perhaps mud that had been used by the attending priests to secure the mummy 's bandages , Stock suggested .
Another puzzling discovery was a small , elliptical object about 0.3 inches ( 7 mm ) long , which the researchers found in the mummy 's wrappings over the abdomen , dubbing the object `` Inclusion F. '' X-ray diffraction showed that it was made of calcite — but what was it ?
One possibility is that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child 's body was damaged during mummification , Stock said .
After such a mishap , priests would often place an amulet such as a scarab over the damaged body part to protect the person in the afterlife , and the newfound calcite `` blob '' was about the right size and in the right position for it to be a protective scarab , Stock explained .
However , the resolution of the CT scan was n't high enough to show carved details in the object , so it 's impossible to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
`` Every time you go into a study like this , you get good answers .
But then you just raise more questions , '' Stock said .
The findings were published online Nov. 25 in the .

An Egyptian mummy that was decorated with a woman's portrait contained a surprise — the body of a child who was only 5 years old when she died. Now, scientists have learned more about the mysterious girl and her burial, thanks to high-resolution scans and X-ray "microbeams" that targeted very small regions in the intact artifact.
Computed X-ray tomography (CT) scans of the mummy's teeth and femur confirmed the girl's age, though they showed no signs of trauma in her bones that could suggest the cause of her death.
Targeted, high-intensity X-rays also revealed a mysterious object that had been placed on the child's abdomen, scientists reported in a new study.
Related: Image gallery: The faces of Egyptian mummies revealed
Scans performed on the mummy about two decades ago were low contrast, and many details were hard to see. For the new analysis, researchers conducted new CT scans to visualize the mummy's structure in its entirety. They then focused on specific regions using X-ray diffraction, in which a tightly concentrated beam of X-rays bounces off the atoms in crystalline structures; variations in the diffraction patterns reveal what type of material the object is made of.
This is the first time that X-ray diffraction has been used on an intact mummy, said lead study author Stuart Stock, a research professor of cell and developmental biology in the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago.
The mummy, known as "Hawara Portrait Mummy No. 4," resides in the library of the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. It was excavated between 1910 and 1911 from the ancient Egyptian site of Hawara, and it dates to around the first century A.D., when Egypt was under Roman rule.
Portrait mummies were common in ancient Egypt under Roman rule. Though the portrait on this mummy showed an adult woman, the mummy inside was a 5-year-old girl. (Image credit: Copyright Stuart R. Stock)
"During the Roman era in Egypt, they started making mummies with portraits attached to the front surface," Stock told Live Science. "Many thousands were made, but most of the portraits have been removed from the mummies we have — maybe only 100 to 150 still have the portrait attached to the mummy," he said.
Though the portrait on Mummy No. 4 showed an adult woman, the small size of the mummy hinted otherwise — and the scans confirmed that the mummy was a child, still so young that none of her permanent teeth had emerged. Her body measured 37 inches (937 millimeters) from the top of her skull to the soles of her feet, and the wrappings added another 2 inches (50 mm), according to the study.
The researchers also detected 36 needle-like structures in the case — 11 around the head and neck, 20 near the feet and five by the torso. X-ray diffraction determined that these were modern metal wires or pins that may have been added to stabilize the artifact sometime during the last century.
The bright green structures in this scan were metal wires that were likely a later addition to the mummy. (Image credit: Copyright Stuart R. Stock)
One surprising find was an irregular layer of sediment in the mummy's wrappings, perhaps mud that had been used by the attending priests to secure the mummy's bandages, Stock suggested. Another puzzling discovery was a small, elliptical object about 0.3 inches (7 mm) long, which the researchers found in the mummy's wrappings over the abdomen, dubbing the object "Inclusion F."
X-ray diffraction showed that it was made of calcite — but what was it? One possibility is that it could be an amulet included because the child's body was damaged during mummification, Stock said. After such a mishap, priests would often place an amulet such as a scarab over the damaged body part to protect the person in the afterlife, and the newfound calcite "blob" was about the right size and in the right position for it to be a protective scarab, Stock explained.
However, the resolution of the CT scan wasn't high enough to show carved details in the object, so it's impossible to say for sure what it could be, he added.
"Every time you go into a study like this, you get good answers. But then you just raise more questions," Stock said.
The findings were published online Nov. 25 in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface .
Editor's Note: The article was updated on Nov. 30 to note that the mummy resides in the library of the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, rather than in the collection of Northwestern University's Block Museum of Art.
Originally published on Live Science.


livescience--2020-11-24--2 of Darwin's famous notebooks, including iconic 'Tree of Life' sketch, are missing

A thief may have stolen two of Charles Darwin 's notebooks , including one containing his iconic 1837 `` Tree of Life '' sketch , according to Cambridge University Library in England .
The books were last seen in fall 2000 , when they were taken from the uber-secure Special Collections Strong Rooms at Cambridge University Library for a photo shoot .
During a routine check in January 2001 , however , curators discovered that the small blue box holding the books was missing .
While it 's possible the box was misplaced , exhaustive searches over the years have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is considering the possibility that the box was stolen .
`` I am heartbroken that the location of these Darwin notebooks , including Darwin ’ s iconic 'Tree of Life ' drawing , is currently unknown , '' Jessica Gardner , university librarian and director of library services , .
`` But we ’ re determined to do everything possible to discover what happened and will leave no stone unturned during this process . ''
The library reported the news of the missing notebooks today ( Nov. 24 ) , also known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anniversary of the publication of Darwin 's groundbreaking book `` On the Origin of Species , '' which he wrote about 20 years after jotting down his famous sketch in the now-missing notebook .
Darwin made the sketch at age 28 , shortly after returning from his worldwide expedition aboard the HMS Beagle .
These notebooks are called Darwin 's `` Transmutation Notebooks , '' because this is where he first theorized how species might `` transmute '' from early to later forms , a process later defined as .
The other notebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of evolution in terms of geographical distribution , the origin of humans , and classification by descent , according to Cambridge University Library .
Darwin 's theory was controversial in his day , though evolution is now settled science .
About 97 % of modern scientists accept the theory , according to a 2009 report from the .
However , despite mountains of biological , genetic and geological evidence supporting Darwin 's theory , the subject is still debated in America 's classrooms ; about 60 % of public-high-school biology teachers say they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evolutionary biology during lessons , according to a 2011 report in , and it 's not uncommon to about these `` classroom controversies '' even now .
Both of the missing notebooks are digitally available online — and — but the library is hoping to get the real books back .
They 've informed Cambridgeshire Police , who have added the notebook 's to Interpol ’ s Stolen Works of Art database , and also recorded the notebooks ' disappearance in the U.K. 's Art Loss Register .
The library is also asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be given anonymously .
`` We would be hugely grateful to hear from any staff , past or present , members of the book trade , researchers , or the public at large , with information that might assist in the recovery of the notebooks , '' Gardner said .
`` Someone , somewhere , may have knowledge or insight that can help us return these notebooks to their proper place at the heart of the U.K. 's cultural and scientific heritage . ''
Anyone with information about the two notebooks can email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at their or Crimestoppers with the identification numbers 800 555111 at .

A thief may have stolen two of Charles Darwin's notebooks, including one containing his iconic 1837 "Tree of Life" sketch, according to Cambridge University Library in England.
The books were last seen in fall 2000, when they were taken from the uber-secure Special Collections Strong Rooms at Cambridge University Library for a photo shoot. During a routine check in January 2001, however, curators discovered that the small blue box holding the books was missing. While it's possible the box was misplaced, exhaustive searches over the years have yielded no results, so the library is considering the possibility that the box was stolen.
"I am heartbroken that the location of these Darwin notebooks, including Darwin’s iconic 'Tree of Life' drawing, is currently unknown," Jessica Gardner, university librarian and director of library services, said in a statement . "But we’re determined to do everything possible to discover what happened and will leave no stone unturned during this process."
Related: Creative genius: The world's greatest minds
The library reported the news of the missing notebooks today (Nov. 24), also known as "Evolution Day" — the 161th anniversary of the publication of Darwin's groundbreaking book " On the Origin of Species ," which he wrote about 20 years after jotting down his famous sketch in the now-missing notebook.
Darwin made the sketch at age 28, shortly after returning from his worldwide expedition aboard the HMS Beagle. These notebooks are called Darwin's "Transmutation Notebooks," because this is where he first theorized how species might "transmute" from early to later forms, a process later defined as Darwin's theory of evolution .
The other notebook contains Darwin's notes on his theory of evolution in terms of geographical distribution, the origin of humans, and classification by descent, according to Cambridge University Library.
Charles Darwin wrote "I think" (top left) and then drew the famous "Tree of Life" sketch in one of the now-missing journals. (Image credit: Cambridge University Library)
Darwin's theory was controversial in his day, though evolution is now settled science. About 97% of modern scientists accept the theory, according to a 2009 report from the Pew Research Center . However, despite mountains of biological, genetic and geological evidence supporting Darwin's theory, the subject is still debated in America's classrooms; about 60% of public-high-school biology teachers say they don't advocate for either creationism or evolutionary biology during lessons, according to a 2011 report in Science magazine , and it's not uncommon to see headlines about these "classroom controversies" even now.
Both of the missing notebooks are digitally available online — here and here — but the library is hoping to get the real books back. They've informed Cambridgeshire Police, who have added the notebook's to Interpol’s Stolen Works of Art database, and also recorded the notebooks' disappearance in the U.K.'s Art Loss Register.
The library is also asking the public for leads, which can be given anonymously.
"We would be hugely grateful to hear from any staff, past or present, members of the book trade, researchers, or the public at large, with information that might assist in the recovery of the notebooks," Gardner said. "Someone, somewhere, may have knowledge or insight that can help us return these notebooks to their proper place at the heart of the U.K.'s cultural and scientific heritage."
Anyone with information about the two notebooks can email the library at ManuscriptAppeal@lib.cam.ac.uk ; the Cambridgeshire Police at their website or Crimestoppers with the identification numbers 800 555111 at www.crimestoppers-uk.org .
Originally published on Live Science.


livescience--2020-11-24--Who set up this mysterious metal monolith in Utah desert? (It's not aliens.)

Who embedded a large metal monolith in the remote Utah desert ?
State wildlife officials are scratching their heads after in Red Rock Country in southeastern Utah .
The shiny silver rectangle sits in the center of the dead end of one of the many shallow rock ravines that scour this desert region .
Its discovery had wildlife officials feeling as if they 'd been dropped into an episode of `` Ancient Aliens . ''
`` OK , the intrepid explorers go down to investigate the , uh , alien life-form , '' one chuckles as he takes a video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Nov. 18 .
The monolith failed to immediately do anything mystical , though officials noted with surprise that someone had taken the trouble to cut into the hard-packed to install the monument .
There was no indication of who had left the monolith , according to the Utah Department of Public Safety .
A biologist from the Utah Department of Public Safety Aero Bureau was the first to spot the weird structure .
A small team from the bureau was flying over the red desert doing a count of bighorn sheep when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was like , 'Whoa , whoa , whoa , turn around , turn around ! '
'' helicopter pilot Bret Hutchings told , `` And I was like , 'What . '
And he 's like , 'There 's this thing back there — we 've got to go look at it ! '
'' The team landed nearby and went to investigate , speculating wildly and joking that if anyone disappeared , the rest of them would have to make a run for it .
A closer investigation revealed nothing but a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 3 to 3.6 m ) tall .
`` I 'm assuming it 's some new wave artist or something or , you know , somebody that was a big ( 2001 : A Space Odyssey ) fan , '' Hutchings told KSL TV .
The monolith in 2001 : A Space Odyssey is a mysterious rectangle that seems to trigger rapid evolutionary or societal leaps in human history .
It must be said , however , that the monoliths in the Arthur C. Clarke novels that inspired the movie always have dimensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't appear true for the Utah monolith ( its width and depth appear to be the same length ) .
And the movie monolith is dark-colored and non-reflective .
If someone was inspired by “ 2001 : A Space Odyssey ” to plant the monument , they did so with minimal attention to detail .
`` That 's been about the strangest thing that I 've come across out there in all my years of flying , '' Hutchings said .
The Department of Public Safety is keeping the location of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people going to look for it might get stranded in the remote location and need rescuing .
There 's no stopping the internet though ; devoted to the monument claim to have narrowed down a search location already .
The entire region is remote and has very few roads , raising questions about how whoever installed the monument got it into the canyon .
In photographs posted by the Department of Public Safety , the monolith appears to be made of metal sheeting held together by screws , suggesting it might be fairly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Safety , the Bureau of Land Management will determine if any further investigation is needed .
Desert environments have always attracted outsider artists , such as , who built a hostel and home out of scrap materials in the desert in Nevada , or Leonard Knight , whose `` `` southeast of Los Angeles was featured in the movie `` Into the Wild . ''
But the federal government looks poorly on projects done without permission .
`` It is illegal to install structures or art without authorization on federally managed public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're from , '' DPS noted on its website .

While conducting a count of bighorn sheep in a portion of southeastern Utah, on Nov. 18, 2020, researchers spotted a mysterious metal monument in the middle of the desert.
Who embedded a large metal monolith in the remote Utah desert?
State wildlife officials are scratching their heads after discovering a bizarre 10-foot-tall (3 meters) installation in Red Rock Country in southeastern Utah. The shiny silver rectangle sits in the center of the dead end of one of the many shallow rock ravines that scour this desert region. Its discovery had wildlife officials feeling as if they'd been dropped into an episode of "Ancient Aliens."
"OK, the intrepid explorers go down to investigate the, uh, alien life-form," one chuckles as he takes a video of his companions hiking to the monolith on Nov. 18.
The monolith failed to immediately do anything mystical, though officials noted with surprise that someone had taken the trouble to cut into the hard-packed earth to install the monument. There was no indication of who had left the monolith, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety.
A biologist from the Utah Department of Public Safety Aero Bureau was the first to spot the weird structure. A small team from the bureau was flying over the red desert doing a count of bighorn sheep when he noticed something shiny.
The Department of Public Safety is keeping the location of the monument confidential. (Image credit: Utah Department of Public Safety)
"He was like, 'Whoa, whoa, whoa, turn around, turn around!'" helicopter pilot Bret Hutchings told KSL TV , "And I was like, 'What.' And he's like, 'There's this thing back there — we've got to go look at it!'"
The team landed nearby and went to investigate, speculating wildly and joking that if anyone disappeared, the rest of them would have to make a run for it. A closer investigation revealed nothing but a metal rectangle between 10 and 12 feet (3 to 3.6 m) tall.
Related: 7 things mistaken for UFOs
"I'm assuming it's some new wave artist or something or, you know, somebody that was a big (2001: A Space Odyssey) fan," Hutchings told KSL TV.
The monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey is a mysterious rectangle that seems to trigger rapid evolutionary or societal leaps in human history. It must be said, however, that the monoliths in the Arthur C. Clarke novels that inspired the movie always have dimensions in a ratio of 1:4:9, which doesn't appear true for the Utah monolith (its width and depth appear to be the same length). And the movie monolith is dark-colored and non-reflective. If someone was inspired by “2001: A Space Odyssey” to plant the monument, they did so with minimal attention to detail.
"That's been about the strangest thing that I've come across out there in all my years of flying," Hutchings said.
The Department of Public Safety is keeping the location of the monument confidential, out of concern that people going to look for it might get stranded in the remote location and need rescuing. There's no stopping the internet though; several Reddit threads devoted to the monument claim to have narrowed down a search location already. The entire region is remote and has very few roads, raising questions about how whoever installed the monument got it into the canyon. In photographs posted by the Department of Public Safety, the monolith appears to be made of metal sheeting held together by screws, suggesting it might be fairly lightweight.
According to the Department of Public Safety, the Bureau of Land Management will determine if any further investigation is needed.
Desert environments have always attracted outsider artists, such as Frank Van Zant , who built a hostel and home out of scrap materials in the desert in Nevada, or Leonard Knight, whose " Salvation Mountain " southeast of Los Angeles was featured in the movie "Into the Wild." But the federal government looks poorly on projects done without permission.
"It is illegal to install structures or art without authorization on federally managed public lands, no matter what planet you're from," DPS noted on its website.
Originally published on Live Science.


livescience--2020-11-24--SARS-CoV-2 relative found lurking in frozen bats from Cambodia

For the first time , close relatives of the novel coronavirus have been found outside China .
Scientists discovered the two viruses in frozen bats and bat droppings stored in Cambodian and Japanese laboratories , .
As SARS-CoV-2 , the that causes COVID-19 , continues to circulate worldwide , scientists have never stopped hunting for the pathogen 's point of origin .
Like its cousin SARS-CoV , which caused outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome in the early 2000s , SARS-CoV-2 likely originated in horseshoe ( genus Rhinolophus ) ; but some evidence suggests that the virus may have passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ By hunting for closely related , scientists can help solve the mystery of how SARS-CoV-2 jumped from bats to people , triggering the current .
Now , scientists have uncovered such a virus in Cambodia , virologists told Nature News .
`` This is what we were looking for , and we found it , '' Dr. Veasna Duong , a virologist at the Pasteur Institute in Cambodia in Phnom Penh who led the research , told Nature News .
`` It was exciting and surprising at the same time . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet been published in a scientific journal .
Related : 20 of the worst epidemics and pandemics in history The team discovered the virus in two Shamel 's horseshoe bats ( R. shameli ) , which were first captured in 2010 , frozen and stored .
To confirm the virus 's relationship to SARS-CoV-2 , the scientists zoomed in on a small segment of the virus 's .
This segment , made up of 324 base pairs — the building blocks of — is highly similar across known members of the coronavirus family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Wildlife Conservation Society Vietnam in Hanoi , who was not involved in the study , told Nature News .
The segment is often used to differentiate new coronaviruses from known ones , using subtle differences in its code , Latinne said .
The team found that the short segment from the new virus resembled that from SARS-CoV-2 , as well as that from its closest known relative , a bat coronavirus called RaTG13 .
The team must now sequence the entire genome of the new virus , which likely contains about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exactly how closely related the new virus is to SARS-CoV-2 .
So far , the team has sequenced about 70 % of the genome , but critical still need to be analyzed , including those that contain instructions to build the spike protein that allows the virus into cells .
RaTG13 , the closest known relative of SARS-CoV-2 to date , shares 96 % of its genome with the pandemic virus , and likely diverged from the pathogens ' common ancestor between 40 and 70 years ago .
So if the newfound virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SAR-CoV-2 , it would replace RaTG13 as the closest known relative .
If the sequences are at least 99 % similar , the newfound virus may be a direct of the pandemic pathogen , Aaron Irving , an infectious-diseases researcher at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou , China , told Nature News .
Alternatively , the newfound virus may not resemble SARS-CoV-2 as closely as RaTG13 does .
For instance , a coronavirus recently found in frozen bat droppings in Japan shares about 81 % of its genome with SARS-CoV-2 , according to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The virus , called Rc-o319 , can not enter human cells using the same receptor that SARS-CoV-2 uses , according to studies in cell culture .
Whether the virus found in Cambodia can infect human cells remains a mystery .
But either way , uncovering new coronaviruses in horseshoe bats can provide hints about how SARS-CoV-2 made the leap to humans — as well as help us anticipate future pandemics .
You can read more about the newfound coronaviruses at .

For the first time, close relatives of the novel coronavirus have been found outside China.
Scientists discovered the two viruses in frozen bats and bat droppings stored in Cambodian and Japanese laboratories, Nature News & Comment reported .
As SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, continues to circulate worldwide, scientists have never stopped hunting for the pathogen's point of origin. Like its cousin SARS-CoV, which caused outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome in the early 2000s, SARS-CoV-2 likely originated in horseshoe bats (genus Rhinolophus); but some evidence suggests that the virus may have passed through another animal before infecting humans.
By hunting for closely related coronaviruses , scientists can help solve the mystery of how SARS-CoV-2 jumped from bats to people, triggering the current pandemic . Now, scientists have uncovered such a virus in Cambodia, virologists told Nature News.
"This is what we were looking for, and we found it," Dr. Veasna Duong, a virologist at the Pasteur Institute in Cambodia in Phnom Penh who led the research, told Nature News. "It was exciting and surprising at the same time." The research is still ongoing and has not yet been published in a scientific journal.
Related: 20 of the worst epidemics and pandemics in history
The team discovered the virus in two Shamel's horseshoe bats (R. shameli), which were first captured in 2010, frozen and stored. To confirm the virus's relationship to SARS-CoV-2, the scientists zoomed in on a small segment of the virus's genome . This segment, made up of 324 base pairs — the building blocks of RNA — is highly similar across known members of the coronavirus family, Alice Latinne, an evolutionary biologist at the Wildlife Conservation Society Vietnam in Hanoi, who was not involved in the study, told Nature News.
The segment is often used to differentiate new coronaviruses from known ones, using subtle differences in its code, Latinne said.
The team found that the short segment from the new virus resembled that from SARS-CoV-2, as well as that from its closest known relative, a bat coronavirus called RaTG13. The team must now sequence the entire genome of the new virus, which likely contains about 30,000 base pairs, to find out exactly how closely related the new virus is to SARS-CoV-2.
So far, the team has sequenced about 70% of the genome, but critical genes still need to be analyzed, including those that contain instructions to build the spike protein that allows the virus into cells.
RaTG13, the closest known relative of SARS-CoV-2 to date, shares 96% of its genome with the pandemic virus, and likely diverged from the pathogens' common ancestor between 40 and 70 years ago. So if the newfound virus is at least 97% similar to SAR-CoV-2, it would replace RaTG13 as the closest known relative. If the sequences are at least 99% similar, the newfound virus may be a direct ancestor of the pandemic pathogen, Aaron Irving, an infectious-diseases researcher at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China, told Nature News.
Alternatively, the newfound virus may not resemble SARS-CoV-2 as closely as RaTG13 does. For instance, a coronavirus recently found in frozen bat droppings in Japan shares about 81% of its genome with SARS-CoV-2, according to a study published Nov. 2 in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases . The virus, called Rc-o319, cannot enter human cells using the same receptor that SARS-CoV-2 uses, according to studies in cell culture.
Whether the virus found in Cambodia can infect human cells remains a mystery. But either way, uncovering new coronaviruses in horseshoe bats can provide hints about how SARS-CoV-2 made the leap to humans — as well as help us anticipate future pandemics.
You can read more about the newfound coronaviruses at Nature News & Comment .
Originally published on Live Science.


livescience--2020-11-24--Pandemic: Legacy board game is 38% off this Black Friday

The world has ( understandably ) become increasingly interested in epidemiology and the history of pandemics this year .
With a lot of us stuck inside more than usual , it 's also no surprise that households are spending their time with board games .
This has all led to the popularity of games like Pandemic : Legacy ( Season One ) the board game which you can now get for just $ 49.43 from Amazon saving you 38 % right now .
In this boardgame players combat a global outbreak , competing or cooperating to save the world — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So if you 've ever wanted to save the world , or perhaps you have the curiosity to create your very own maleficent virus ( Plague Inc : The Board Game is now 22 % off at Amazon ) , this Black Friday period is the perfect time to sweep up some great deals on board games that are going viral .
If you 've always yearned to join the fight against infection , Pandemic : Legacy ( Season One ) the board game puts you at the frontline of a deadly virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countermeasures and cures .
Two to four players cooperate with different characters ( such as scientists , medics or researchers ) who each gain new skills and attributes as the game progresses , and the disease alters and spreads across the globe .
Each decision has permanent consequences as this legacy game unravels players ' own unique narrative — no two play-throughs are the same and each move could spell global disaster !
Using stickers and written notes , and even by destroying playing cards , your game is permanently recorded and ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pandemic : Legacy ( Season Two ) , as the epic story of the pandemic continues .
If you ca n't get enough of viral board games , there are a host of other titles to consider .
If you want to explore the darker side of a pandemic , Plague Inc : The Board Game sees players plot the end of the world by developing and adapting their very own viruses .
One to four players compete to develop the most deadly disease , starting from patient zero before spreading from city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new symptoms to overcome vaccines and countermeasures .
The original award-winning Pandemic board game is a shorter affair , with two to four players co-operating to take on the global crisis in a single relaxed sitting .
Expect the same intricate mechanics of the other Pandemic games , but none of the legacy elements or epic narrative arc , as players move around the world to contain the outbreak in a comfortable 45 minutes .
For an even more-simplified version of Z-Man Games ' Pandemic series , you can also grab a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game .
This standalone version features the same great turn-based strategy gameplay , as players take on different guises to fight a deadly virus , rolling dice to determine random world events that may help or hinder their progress .
Take a look below for some of the top deals available now on these board games .

We could be 16 years into a methane-fueled 'termination' event significant enough to end an ice age
Methane emissions from tropical wetlands have been soaring since 2006 and accelerating at the same breakneck speed as when Earth's climate has flipped from a glacial to an interglacial period.