Attenuation of A(#H7N9) #influenza virus #infection in mice exposed to #cigarette smoke

Abstract

Influenza A(H7N9) virus showed high pathogenicity in humans when it emerged in 2013. Cigarette smoke (CS) causes pulmonary diseases including bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer. Although habitual smoking is thought to increase the risk of severe seasonal influenza virus infection, its effect on A(H7N9) virus infection is poorly understood. Here, we employed a mouse model of long-term exposure to CS to investigate the effect of CS on the pathogenicity of A(H7N9) virus infection. Unexpectedly, body weight loss for mice exposed to CS was milder than that for mock-treated mice upon A(H7N9) virus infection. CS exposure improved the survival rate of A(H7N9) virus-infected mice even though virus titers and pathological changes in the lungs were not significantly different between CS-exposed and control mice. Microarray analysis showed that CS-exposure activates cytokine/chemokine activity, immune response, and cell cycle activities that resemble reactivities against A(H7N9) virus infection. Therefore, under conditions where cytokine and chemokine expression in the lungs is already high due to CS exposure, the enhanced expression of cytokines and chemokines caused by A(H7N9) virus infection might be less harmful to the organs compared to the rapid increase in cytokine and chemokine expression in the air-exposed mice due to the infection. CS may thus induce immunoregulatory effects that attenuate severe pulmonary disease during A(H7N9) virus infection. However, these findings do not support CS exposure due to its many other proven negative health effects.

Source: npj Viruses, https://www.nature.com/articles/s44298-024-00026-4

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#Measles – Region of the #Americas (#WHO D.O.N., April 28 '25)

{Excerpt}

Situation at a glance

As of 18 April 2025, a total of 2318 measles cases, including three deaths, have been confirmed in six countries in the WHO Region of the Americas, an 11-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024. 

The majority of cases have occurred among people between 1 to 29 years, who are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. 

Additionally, most cases are imported or linked to importation. 

Measles is a highly contagious, airborne viral disease that can lead to severe complications and death. 

Although it is preventable with two doses of the vaccine, over 22 million children worldwide did not receive their first dose of the vaccine in 2023. This has contributed to a global rise in measles cases in 2024, which heightens the risk of imported infections, particularly from unvaccinated travellers arriving from areas where the virus is actively circulating. 

WHO is working closely with countries in the WHO Region of the Americas to prevent the spread and reintroduction of measles. 

The regional risk is currently assessed as high, while the global risk remains moderate.

Description of the situation

From 1 January to 18 April 2025, a total of 2318 measles cases, including three deaths, were confirmed in the WHO Region of the Americas, an 11-fold increase compared to the 205 cases of measles reported in the same period in 2024. 

The cases have been reported from six countries: 

- Argentina (n= 21 cases), 

- Belize (n= 2 cases), 

- Brazil (n= 5 cases), 

- Canada (n=1069 cases), 

- Mexico (n= 421 cases including one death), and 

- the United States of America (n=800 cases, including two deaths).

(...)

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON565

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#Norway - #Influenza A #H5N5 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 A Red Fox in Tromso Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6450

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Circulation and #Spillover of #H1N1pdm09 #Influenza A Virus at an Educational #Swine #Farm in #Chile, 2019–2023

Abstract

Educational farms provide students with hands-on experience in agricultural and animal practices. However, the close contact between humans and farm animals creates a significant interface for zoonotic disease transmission, yet research on infectious diseases in such settings remains limited. This study investigates the ongoing spillovers of human-origin influenza A virus (IAV) into swine at an educational farm in central Chile, describing IAV prevalence, outbreak dynamics, and the genomic characterization of detected strains. The Menesianos educational farm, located in Melipilla, central Chile, houses approximately 40 swine alongside other domestic animals, such as horses and cows. As part of an active IAV surveillance project, monthly nasal swab samples were collected from pigs between June 2019 and September 2023 for IAV detection via RT-qPCR targeting the M gene, with positive samples subsequently sequenced. During the study period, monthly IAV prevalence ranged from 0% to 52.5%, with a notable outbreak detected between May and June 2023. The outbreak lasted 5 weeks, peaking at 52.5% prevalence during week 3. Nine IAV strains were isolated over the study period, eight of which were obtained during weeks 2 and 3 of the outbreak. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all strains were closely related to the pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus, with the closest related strains being those circulating in humans in Chile during the same years. These findings highlight the importance of conducting regular IAV surveillance on educational farms, where close interactions between animals and individuals—particularly children and young people—can facilitate viral spillovers and potential reverse zoonosis events.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/5/635

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#Risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza A #H5N1 Virus in #Pediatrics

Abstract

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A/H5N1 Virus has been found in multiple US states since 2024. While human infection risk is currently low, children are a high-risk group for severe infection as the virus evolves. Preventive efforts should prioritize children in vaccine and therapeutic clinical trials and vaccine implementation strategies.

Source: Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, https://academic.oup.com/jpids/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jpids/piaf035/8120791?redirectedFrom=fulltext

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Improving #Influenza #Nomenclature Based on #Transmission Dynamics

Abstract

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) evolve rapidly, exhibit zoonotic potential, and frequently adapt to new hosts, often establishing long-term reservoirs. Despite advancements in genetic sequencing and phylogenetic classification, current influenza nomenclature systems remain static, failing to capture evolving epidemiological patterns. This rigidity has led to delays or misinterpretations in public health responses, economic disruptions, and confusion in scientific communication. The existing nomenclature does not adequately reflect real-time transmission dynamics or host adaptations, limiting its usefulness for public health management. The 2009 H1N1 pandemic exemplified these limitations, as it was mischaracterized as “swine flu” despite sustained human-to-human transmission and no direct pig-to-human transmission reported. This review proposes a real-time, transmission-informed nomenclature system that prioritizes host adaptation and sustained transmissibility (R0 > 1) to align influenza classification with epidemiological realities and risk management. Through case studies of H1N1pdm09, H5N1, and H7N9, alongside a historical overview of influenza naming, we demonstrate the advantages of integrating transmission dynamics into naming conventions. Adopting a real-time, transmission-informed approach will improve pandemic preparedness, strengthen global surveillance, and enhance influenza classification for scientists, policymakers, and public health agencies.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/5/633

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Exploring Avian #Influenza Viruses in #Yakutia—The Largest #Breeding #Habitat of Wild Migratory #Birds in Northeastern #Siberia

Abstract

Yakutia, the largest breeding ground for wild migratory birds in Northeastern Siberia, plays a big role in the global ecology of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). In this study, we present the results of virological surveillance conducted between 2018 and 2023, analyzing 1970 cloacal swab samples collected from 56 bird species. We identified 74 AIVs of H3N6, H3N8, H4N6, H5N3, H7N7, H10N3, and H11N9 subtypes in Anseriformes order. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolates belong to the Eurasian lineage and have genetic similarities with strains from East Asia, Europe, and North America. Cluster analysis has demonstrated the circulation of stable AIV genotypes for several years. We assume that Yakutia is an important territory for viral exchange on the migratory routes of migrating birds. In addition, several amino acid substitutions have been found to be associated with increased virulence and adaptation to mammalian hosts, highlighting the potential risk of interspecific transmission. These results provide a critical insight into the ecology of the AIV and highlight the importance of continued monitoring in this geographically significant region.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/5/632

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#Sudan virus disease - #Uganda (#WHO D.O.N., April 26 '25)

{Summary}

Situation at a glance

On 26 April 2025, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Uganda declared the end of the Sudan virus disease (SVD) outbreak after two consecutive incubation periods (a total of 42 days) since the last person confirmed with SVD tested negative for the virus on 14 March 2025. 

A total of 14 SVD cases (including 12 confirmed cases and two probable cases) including four deaths (two confirmed and two probable) have been reported during this outbreak. 

WHO and partners provided technical, operational and financial support to the government to contain the outbreak. 

Although the outbreak has been declared over, health authorities are maintaining surveillance to rapidly identify and respond to any re-emergence. 

Risk communication and community engagement will also continue to ensure the community stay informed and stigma to those who were affected is minimized.

(...)

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON566

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#Influenza virus #infection in the #lungs leads to #pancytopenia and defective immune cell differentiation program in the #thymus and bone marrow

Abstract

Exaggerated inflammation and cytokine storm are hallmark features of influenza A virus (IAV)-induced respiratory diseases. While previous studies unequivocally demonstrated the pathophysiological consequences (multiorgan failure) of IAV-associated cytokine storm, it remains unknown if IAV-induced systemic inflammation impacts the fitness and differentiation of immune cells from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Our data on lethal IAV-infected C57BL/6 wildtype mice after 10 days of infection indicated reduced monocyte- and lymphocyte- counts in the peripheral blood, and overall cellularity of spleen, thymus and lymph nodes. IAV- infection resulted in increased numbers of myeloid cells, CD8+ T cells, alveolar macrophages (AVMs), CD11b+ dendritic cells (DCs) & plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), whereas decreased frequencies of CD103+ DCs, in the lungs of IAV-infected mice. Analysis of spleen and draining lymph nodes indicated reduced absolute numbers of B cells, T cells, monocytes and DCs after 10 days of lethal IAV infection. Thymic analysis indicated perturbed T cell differentiation and bone marrow (BM) data revealed impaired DC differentiation following IAV infection. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) studies demonstrated an imbalanced distribution of HSCs, multipotent progenitors (MPPs), myeloid progenitors and DC progenitors within the BM niche. Mechanistic studies exhibited elevated levels of systemic inflammation and altered local pro-inflammatory milieu. Molecular analyses documented elevated levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) at all stages of HSPC differentiation and increased mass of active mitochondria in HSPC subsets. In essence, our studies provide novel insights into mechanisms through which lethal IAV-infection induces deficiencies of the innate and adaptive immune system.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.22.650071v1

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#Biosecurity uptake and perceived #risk of avian #influenza among people in #contact with #birds in the #UK

Abstract

Recent intercontinental spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) among kept and wild birds and transmission to mammalian hosts, including cattle and humans has heightened the need to review public health risk assessments. Biosecurity is essential for limiting disease spread, but how widely practices are implemented is not fully known. Here, we report on the uptake of biosecurity measures using questionnaire data collected in 2024 from people in contact with birds in the UK (Avian Contact Study). Almost half of the sample were poultry farmers (104/225). We found hand washing after contact with birds was the most common biosecurity measure implemented (89%, 196/218), followed by using disinfecting footwear dips (78%, 170/218). Individuals in contact with a higher number of birds were more likely to use at least one PPE measure for the face or body (χ^2 (1, n=217) = 32.452, p<0.001) or at least one footwear-related PPE measure (Df=1, n=217, p<0.001), indicating the increasing number of birds as a likely proxy for farming practice, given the skewed poultry farmer sample. The perceived risk of avian influenza to the health of birds was generally high for individuals in contact with large flocks (≥1001 birds) and was associated with uptake of at least one footwear-related PPE measure (χ^2 (1, n=185)= 9.171, p=0.002). The risk to human health was not associated with any biosecurity measure. These results suggest that routinely used biosecurity measures are implemented to limit disease spread among birds, but not with the primary view to limit zoonotic transmission from birds to humans. Future work should investigate attitudes towards avian influenza and biosecurity in larger sample sizes across varying populations to guide zoonotic influenza policy and inform targeted interventions.

Source: MedRxIV, https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.23.25326059v1

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The expanding avian #influenza #panzootic: #skua die-off in #Antarctica

Abstract

High pathogenicity avian influenza virus of subtype H5 (H5 HPAIV), clade 2.3.4.4b, invaded Antarctica in 2023. Here we show that H5 HPAIV caused high mortality in a breeding colony of skuas at one of ten sites we visited in March 2024. By combined virological and pathological analyses, we found that H5 HPAIV caused multi-organ necrosis and rapid death in skuas. Taken together with recent data, skuas in Antarctica are at risk of continued mortality from H5 HPAIV infection, threatening their already small populations. Conversely, because of their wide distribution and ecological relevance, skuas may play a substantial role in the spread of the virus across Antarctica. Transdisciplinary surveillance is needed in coming years to monitor the impact of this poultry-origin disease on Antarctica's unique wildlife.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.25.650384v1

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The #bat #influenza A virus subtype #H18N11 induces nanoscale MHCII clustering upon host #cell attachment

Abstract

Prior to the discovery of bat influenza A virus (IAV) subtypes H17N10 and H18N11, all IAVs were thought to bind sialic acid residues via hemagglutinin (HA) to mediate attachment and subsequent viral entry. However, H17 and H18 engage a proteinaceous receptor: the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII). The mechanistic details of this hitherto unknown protein-mediated entry are not understood. Given that conventional IAVs rely on multivalent binding to sialylated glycans, we hypothesized that bat HA similarly interacts with multiple MHCII molecules. Using photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM) on fixed and live cells, we demonstrate that bat IAV particles attach to pre-existing MHCII clusters and induce a further increase in cluster size upon binding. To measure the impact of viral attachment on the dynamics of MHCII, we employ an “inverse attachment” approach, immobilizing viral particles on coverslips before seeding live MHCII-expressing cells on top. Single-molecule tracking reveals that the mobility of MHCII is indeed slowed down in viral proximity leading to a local enrichment of MHCII molecules beneath the viral particle. These findings suggest that viral attachment induces MHCII clustering, a process similar to the MHCII dynamics observed during the formation of an immunological synapse.

Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58834-y

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Single #influenza A viruses induce #nanoscale cellular #reprogramming at the virus-cell interface

Abstract

During infection, individual virions trigger specific cellular signaling at the virus-cell interface, a nanoscale region of the plasma membrane in direct contact with the virus. However, virus-induced receptor recruitment and cellular activation are transient processes that occur within minutes at the nanoscale. Hence, the temporal and spatial kinetics of such early events often remain poorly understood due to technical limitations. To address this challenge, we develop a protocol to covalently immobilize labelled influenza A viruses on glass surfaces before exposing them to live epithelial cells. Our method extends the observation time for virus-plasma membrane association while minimizing viral modifications, facilitating live imaging of virus-cell interactions. Using single-molecule super-resolution microscopy, we investigate virus-receptor interaction showing that viral receptors exhibit reduced mobility at the virus-binding site, which leads to a specific local receptor accumulation and turnover. We further follow the dynamics of clathrin-mediated endocytosis at the single-virus level and demonstrate the recruitment of adaptor protein 2 (AP-2), previously thought to be uninvolved in influenza A virus infection. Finally, we examine the nanoscale organization of the actin cytoskeleton at the virus-binding site, showing a local and dynamic response of the cellular actin cortex to the infecting virus.

Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58935-8

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A modelling #assessment for the #impact of #control measures on highly pathogenic avian #influenza #transmission in #poultry in Great #Britain

Abstract

Since 2020, large-scale outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in Great Britain have resulted in substantial poultry mortality and economic losses. Alongside the costs, the risk of circulation leading to a viral reassortment that causes zoonotic spillover raises additional concerns. However, the precise mechanisms driving transmission between poultry premises and the impact of potential control measures in Great Britain, such as vaccination, are not fully understood. We have developed a spatial transmission model for the spread of HPAI in poultry premises calibrated to infected premises data for the 2022--23 season using Markov chain Monte Carlo. Our results indicate that enhanced biosecurity measures and/or vaccination of the premises surrounding an identified infected premises can substantially reduce the overall number of infected premises. Our findings highlight that enhanced control measures could limit the future impact of HPAI on the poultry industry and reduce the risk of broader health threats.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.24.650264v1

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#USA, Monitoring for Avian #Influenza A(#H5) Virus In #Wastewater {as of April 25 '25}

{Excerpt}

Time Period: April 13, 2025 - April 19, 2025

-- H5 Detection: 4 sites (1.0%)

-- No Detection: 406 sites (99.0%)

-- No samples in last week: 153 sites

(...)

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/h5-monitoring/index.html?cove-tab=0

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#Vietnam - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Immediate notification

A poultry farm in Quang Tri province.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6440

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The #receptor binding properties of #H5Nx #influenza A viruses have evolved to promiscuously bind to avian-type mucin-like O-glycans

Abstract

Highly pathogenic H5Nx influenza A viruses are causing unprecedented, season-independent outbreaks across avian and mammalian species, including dairy cattle, a novel reservoir. The sialoside-binding properties of influenza A hemagglutinin (HA) are strongly related to its ability to infect and transmit between hosts. Mucin-like O-glycans, omnipresent in respiratory tracts, have been understudied as viral receptors due to their complexity. To address this, we synthesized 25 O-linked glycans with diverse sialosides, including modifications by fucosides and sulfates. Our findings reveal that H5Nx 2.3.4.4b viruses uniquely bind core 3 sialyl-Lewisx and Sia-Gal-β3GalNAc, glycans not recognized by classical H5 or other avian viruses. By determining its crystal structure, we resolved the structural features of both structures in an H5 hemagglutinin (HA) from a 2016 2.3.4.4b virus. While these viruses do not bind human-type receptors, their promiscuous receptor specificity enhances binding to human tracheal tissues, suggesting that O-glycan recognition contributes to their zoonotic potential.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.24.650378v1

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Emergence and interstate spread of highly pathogenic avian #influenza A(#H5N1) in dairy #cattle in #USA

Editor’s summary

High-pathogenicity avian influenza subtype H5N1 is now present throughout the US, and possibly beyond. More cattle infections elevate the risk of the virus evolving the capacity to transmit between humans, potentially with high fatality rates. Nguyen et al. show that from a single transmission event from a wild bird to dairy cattle in December 2023, there has been cattle-to-poultry, cattle-to-peridomestic bird, and cattle-to-other mammal transmission. The movement of asymptomatic dairy cattle has facilitated the rapid dissemination of H5N1 from Texas across the US. Evolution within cattle, assessed using deep-sequencing data, has detected low-frequency sequence variants that had previously been associated with mammalian adaptation and transmission efficiency. —Caroline Ash

Structured Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses have critical consequences for animal health and the agricultural economy—and may have pandemic potential. HPAI related to the goose/Guangdong 2.3.4.4 hemagglutinin (HA) H5NX phylogenetic clade has spread to nearly 100 countries, and it is recognized as a panzootic. HPAI virus circulation is ongoing in North America, and after a trans-Atlantic incursion in late 2021, the HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus caused widespread outbreaks. The outbreaks resulted in extensive mortality events, culling of poultry when detected in agricultural systems, and interspecies transmission events into mammals. It is critical to determine how HPAI clade 2.3.4.4b evolves in wild birds and in nonhuman mammals after spillover to assess the potential for human infection and transmission.

RATIONALE

In late January 2024, veterinarians observed dairy cattle displaying decreased feed intake and changes in milk quality and production. On 25 March 2024, HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b was confirmed in dairy cattle in Texas. Shortly thereafter, the virus was identified in cattle in eight other United States (US) states by members of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. The goal of this study was to analyze genetic sequence data collected after the introduction of HPAI H5N1 in late 2021 into the Atlantic flyway of North America and its onward circulation and reassortment with North American wild bird–origin low-pathogenicity viruses. These data were combined with whole-genome sequence data and epidemiological information from the HPAI H5N1 outbreak among US dairy cattle to help us understand when the interspecies transmission event to cattle occurred and the consequences of animal movement for virus spread.

RESULTS

H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b genotype B3.13 influenza A virus was confirmed in milk with limited detections in nasal swabs. The initial outbreak included samples from 26 dairy cattle premises across eight states and six poultry premises in three states. The sequences isolated from cattle clustered within a single group in phylogenetic analyses, supporting a single spillover event in late 2023. A reassortment event preceded the spillover, and after introduction, the virus persisted in cattle with evidence for transmission from cattle into poultry and peridomestic animal species. Epidemiological records and phylodynamic modeling documented that the movement of asymptomatic or presymptomatic dairy cattle resulted in the dissemination of the virus across the US. We identified low-frequency within-host sequence variants across the genome that were associated with changes in virulence, host-range specificity, and mammalian adaptation.

CONCLUSION

A single wild bird-to-cattle transmission event of HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b occurred in late 2023. The spillover was likely preceded by a reassortment event in wild bird populations followed by the movement of cattle that spread HPAI within the US dairy herd. Molecular markers that may lead to changes in transmission efficiency and phenotype were detected at low frequencies. Continued transmission of H5N1 HPAI within dairy cattle increases the risk for infection and subsequent spread of the virus to humans and other host populations.

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses cross species barriers and have the potential to cause pandemics. In North America, HPAI A(H5N1) viruses related to the goose/Guangdong 2.3.4.4b hemagglutinin phylogenetic clade have infected wild birds, poultry, and mammals. Our genomic analysis and epidemiological investigation showed that a reassortment event in wild bird populations preceded a single wild bird–to-cattle transmission episode. The movement of asymptomatic or presymptomatic cattle has likely played a role in the spread of HPAI within the United States dairy herd. Some molecular markers that may lead to changes in transmission efficiency and phenotype were detected at low frequencies. Continued transmission of H5N1 HPAI within dairy cattle increases the risk for infection and subsequent spread of the virus to human populations.

Source: Science, https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq0900

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