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Understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that drive host–pathogen interactions is critical for combating epidemics and conserving species. TheVarroa destructormite and deformed wing virus (DWV) are two synergistic threats to Western honeybee (Apis mellifera) populations across the globe. Distinct honeybee populations have been found to self-sustain despiteVarroainfestations, including colonies within the Arnot Forest outside Ithaca, NY, USA. We hypothesized that in these bee populations, DWV has been selected to produce an avirulent infection phenotype, allowing for the persistence of both host and disease-causing agents. To investigate this, we assessed the titre of viruses in bees from the Arnot Forest and managed apiaries, and assessed genomic variation and virulence differences between DWV isolates. Across groups, we found viral abundance was similar, but DWV genotypes were distinct. We also found that infections with isolates from the Arnot Forest resulted in higher survival and lower rates of symptomatic deformed wings, compared to analogous isolates from managed colonies, providing preliminary evidence to support the hypothesis of adaptive decreased viral virulence. Overall, this multi-level investigation of virus genotype and phenotype indicates that host ecological context can be a significant driver of viral evolution and host–pathogen interactions in honeybees. 

Designing a surface that can disinfect itself can reduce labor-intensive cleanings and harmful waste, and mitigate spread of surface borne diseases. Additionally, since COVID-19 is an airborne pathogen, surface modification of masks and filters could assist with infection control. Styrene-maleic acid (SMA) copolymers and their derivatives were shown to have lipid-bilayer disrupting properties, making them candidates as anti-viral materials. A series of network polymers with styrene-maleic acid-based polymers and control over polymer chain-length and composition were synthesized. All the polymers formed mechanically robust structures, with tunable Young's moduli on the order of MPa, and tunable swelling capability in water. The SMA-based bulk materials, containing a zwitterionic polar unit, showed excellent lipid disrupting properties, being up to 2 times more efficient than a 10% Triton solution. The highest performance was observed for materials with lower crosslink densities or shorter chain-lengths, with lipid disruption capability correlating with swelling ratio. Additionally, the material can capture the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, with up to 90% efficiency. Both the lipid disrupting and spike protein capture ability could be repeated for multiple cycles. Finally, the materials are shown to modify various porous and non-porous substrates including surgical and KN95 masks. Functional network modified masks had up to 6 times higher bilayer disruption ability than the unmodified masks without inhibiting airflow. 

Abstract ortho‐Phenylenes are one of the simplest classes of aromatic foldamers, adopting helical geometries because of aromatic stacking interactions. The folding and misfolding ofortho‐phenylenes are slow on the NMR timescale at or below room temperature, allowing detection of folding states using¹H NMR spectroscopy. Herein, anortho‐phenylene hexamer is coupled with a RAFT chain transfer agent (CTA) on each repeat unit. A variety of acrylic monomers are polymerized onto the CTA‐functionalizedortho‐phenylene using PET‐RAFT to yield functionalized star polymers withortho‐phenylene cores. The steric bulk of the acrylate monomer units as well as the chain length of each arm of the star polymer is varied.¹H NMR spectroscopy shows that the folding of theortho‐phenylenes do not vary, providing a robust helical core for star polymer systems.