Science - USA (2022-02-18)

variant of concern because of

its rapid spread. Relative to the

original Wuhan-Hu-1 strain, this

variant has 37 mutations in the

spike protein that is respon-

sible for binding and entry into

host cells. Fifteen mutations

are in the receptor-binding

domain, which binds the host

angiotensin-converting enzyme

2 (ACE2) receptor and is also

the target of many neutral-

izing antibodies. Mannar et

al. report a structure of the

Omicron variant spike protein

bound to human ACE2. The

structure rationalizes the eva-

sion of antibodies elicited by

previous vaccination or infection

ELECTROCHEMISTRY

Charging up terpene

synthesis

A recent strategy for forming

carbon–carbon bonds involves

the reaction of a redox-active

ester with an organometallic

coupling partner. This approach

suffers from the sensitivity of var-

ious functional groups in addition

to the ester to the organometallic.

Harwood et al. report a versatile

electrochemical approach, paired

with nickel catalysis, that avoids

the organometallic. Modification

of the electrode with silver

nanoparticles proved key to the

method’s broad applicability,

which the authors showcased

across a range of total and formal

terpene natural product synthe-

ses. —JSY

Science, abn1395, this issue p. 745

BATTERIES

SAM to the rescue

During cycling of lithium metal

batteries, the formation of

dendrites on the electrodes

can cause failure of the battery

over time. Liu et al. were able to

enhance lithium stripping and

plating using self-assembled

monolayers (SAMs) containing

carboxylic groups. The SAMs

are deposited on the aluminum

oxide–coated polypropylene

separator and promote the for-

mation of a lithium fluoride–rich

solid electrolyte interphase that

shows greater overall stability

and enhanced lithium ion trans-

port. —MSL

Science, abn1818, this issue p. 739

CORONAVIRUS

Antibody-evading

Omicron keeps function

The Omicron variant of severe

acute respiratory syndrome

coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

was reported in November 2021

and was quickly identified as a

RESEARCH

Edited by Michael Funk

IN SCIENCE JOURNALS

Bald eagles scavenging on carcasses contaminated with

lead ammunition is a major exposure route, leading to both

acute and chronic poisoning and reduced population growth.

PHOTO: RICHARD MITTLEMAN/GON2FOTO/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

SCIENCE science.org 18 FEBRUARY 2022 • VOL 375 ISSUE 6582 731

ECOTOXICOLOGY

A persistent lead problem

A

lthough lead occurs naturally, its levels increased during

the industrial revolution and have posed serious problems

for humans and animals. Since the mid-1900s, efforts

have been made to limit anthropogenic sources of lead

in the environment, and these were largely considered

successful. Despite this headway, anthropogenic lead remains an

underappreciated threat to wildlife. Slabe et al. looked at

lead levels in samples collected from bald and golden eagles

across the United States. They found that almost half of all

animals sampled had chronic, toxic levels of lead. Demographic

modeling suggested that these levels are high enough to

suppress population growth in both species. —SNV

Science, abj3068, this issue p. 779