The trap of a closed fist : Is democracy capable of preventing a global ecological catastrophe?

Metaphors reforging science and art may help us to find a way to upgrade democracy so that it makes decisions with a positive impact for the next generations. [Image: see text]

Lactoferrin Binds through Its N-Terminus to the Receptor-Binding Domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein.

Since Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) still presents a considerable threat, it is beneficial to provide therapeutic supplements against it. In this respect, glycoprotein lactoferrin (LF) and lactoferricin (LFC), a natural bioactive peptide yielded upon digestion from the N-terminus of LF, are of utmost interest, since both have been shown to reduce infections of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, in particular via blockade of the virus priming and binding. Here, we, by means of biochemical and biophysical methods, reveal that LF directly binds to the S-protein of SARS-CoV-2.

And the stars look down: science beyond the finite : From prehistorical science to postscience.

Modern science has brought undisputable welfare to mankind, but also harmful consequences, and it has to face great challenges to find a way out of the current global crisis. [Image: see text]

Piccadilly full of people and other foul things : On heroism and perversion in the post-pandemic era.

Science gifts us the tools to solve the pressing humanitarian and ecological challenges of our time. But ignorance and selfishness prevent us from using science to the best effect. [Image: see text]

Time to Kill and Time to Heal: The Multifaceted Role of Lactoferrin and Lactoferricin in Host Defense.

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein present in most human exocrine fluids, particularly breast milk. Lactoferrin is also released from neutrophil granules, and its concentration increases rapidly at the site of inflammation. Immune cells of both the innate and the adaptive immune system express receptors for lactoferrin to modulate their functions in response to it.