What’s causing a pneumonia surge in China

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A spike in respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, in children in China is the result of common winter infections — not a novel pathogen. The World Health Organization reports that the country is experiencing a typical ‘winter surge’ in acute respiratory infections. Epidemiologists say the surge is to be expected, given that this is China’s first winter since the COVID-19 pandemic began that the country has been free of COVID restrictions.

Nature | 5 min read

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria congregate around the endings of certain sensory nerves in the skin and release an itch-inducing enzyme called V8. The microorganisms form part of humans’ normal microbiome, but can also cause infections. The bacteria are particularly prevalent in people with atopic dermatitis, or eczema. In experiments with S. aureus-infected mice, a medication that blocks nerve cells from interacting with V8 made the animals less itchy. “Hopefully, this understanding will translate into new treatment options helping to tackle the misery of itch and eczema,” says dermatologist Emma Wedgeworth.

The Guardian | 4 min read

Reference: Cell paper

Physicists have demonstrated that two cavities carved into the side of a channel can totally dissipate the energy of incoming waves. In a model set-up with real water, researchers were able to achieve ‘perfect absorption’ — in which the waves completely cancelled themselves out as they bounced off the cavity walls — with waves of a frequency of 2.9 Hertz. The finding hints at the possibility of designing structures to protect coastlines or harvest wave energy.

Physics Magazine | 4 min read

Reference: Physical Review Letters paper

Features & opinion

Inaccessible buildings, lab spaces and equipment are all areas in which thoughtlessness can create barriers for disabled, chronically ill and neurodivergent chemists. The dearth of part-time career opportunities and flexible work options can also be a problem. Three chemists advise on how companies and institutions can do better — including by asking those who have left the profession to give their input on what went wrong.

Nature | 9 min read

Uncertainty — that “uneasy sense of not-knowing” — offers an unsung opportunity to develop cognitive skills such as curiosity, adaptability and resilience, says science writer Maggie Jackson. Rather than seeking comfort in unwarranted confidence, we would do better to embrace the reality of unpredictable situations, say psychologists. In her new book Uncertain, Jackson explains how, “as we confront something new, powerful neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine boost the mind’s receptivity to new data, fire up cognitive circuits that flexibly control focus and prime brain regions to engage in information-sharing”.

CNN | 6 min read

Where I work

Biologist Špela Borko says that cave-diving enhanced her appreciation of the myriad life forms that teem in underground lakes. (Nature | 3 min read)

Last week, Leif Penguinson was exploring the Las Angustias ravine in La Palma, Spain. Did you find the penguin? When you’re ready, here’s the answer.

Thanks for reading,

Flora Graham, senior editor, Nature Briefing

With contributions by Katrina Krämer

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