Llama antibodies could protect against COVID-19

Researchers in the United States found that small antibodies taken from a llama — called nanobodies — could potentially protect against COVID-19. After the current health crisis began, researchers extracted nanobodies produced by the immune system of a llama named Cormac that were effective in targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Nanobodies are smaller, lighter antibodies that can be extracted from the serum of llamas and isolated under sterile conditions in a lab setting. Nanobodies had already been found to be effective against a rare blood disease. “Whe...

Biden prioritizes U.S. support for global COVID-19 response

President Biden’s top priority is ridding the world of the COVID-19 pandemic. On his first full day in office, Biden issued a presidential directive making global health security a top national security priority, as well as a national strategy (PDF, 24.6MB) for fighting COVID-19 and preventing future pandemics. “U.S. international engagement to combat COVID-19, promote health and advance global health security is urgent to save lives, promote economic recovery and develop resilience against future biological catastrophes,” the national strategy says. “The Biden-Harris administration will resto...

7 iconic products made in the USA [infographic]

If it says Made in America on the label, it’s safe to bet it’s top quality. Here are seven American companies known at home and abroad for their products. Copyright © ShareAmericaProvided by SyndiGate Media Inc.

The presidential Cabinet explained [video]

A new U.S. president carefully considers the people whom he nominates to join his Cabinet — his close partners in governing. Who are the men and women who make up this important group, and what do they do? The term “Cabinet” is never mentioned in the U.S. Constitution, but the video explains where the term came from and what Cabinet members do. Copyright © ShareAmericaProvided by SyndiGate Media Inc.

U.S. return to Paris Agreement marks renewed climate commitment

The United States is rejoining the Paris Agreement, renewing its commitment to partnering with other nations to tackle the global threat of climate change. After his January 20 inaugural address, President Biden signed formal documentation returning the United States to the December 12, 2015, Paris Agreement, a critical framework for avoiding potentially disastrous consequences from climate change. “There is no time to waste,” Biden said in the Oval Office, as he signed a U.S. acceptance of the agreement. “We’re going to combat climate change in a way we have not before.” We're back in the Par...

U.S. reaffirms partnership with World Health Organization

The United States is resuming support for the World Health Organization, which plays a vital role in fighting the global COVID-19 pandemic. President Biden announced the renewed commitment to the WHO in a January 20 letter to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, reversing the prior administration’s plan to leave the U.N.’s public health arm in July. “The WHO plays a crucial role in the world’s fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic as well as countless other threats to global health and health security,” Biden said in the letter. “The United States will continue to be a full ...

Poet Amanda Gorman speaks to a new time for America

A poetry reading by a respected poet in Washington typically draws a couple of hundred listeners. Amanda Gorman, 22 and barely out of college, likely reached tens of millions of television viewers January 20 as she joined a star-studded presidential inauguration program. Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet, read her poem “The Hill We Climb” in honor of the oldest president to take office, Joseph R. Biden. Gorman was just the sixth inaugural poet. (The others were Richard Blanco, Elizabeth Alexander, Miller Williams, Maya Angelou and Robert Frost.) She read with dramatic gestures and a strong c...

Joe Biden sworn in as 46th U.S. president

Joseph R. Biden Jr. was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, January 20. Minutes before, Kamala D. Harris took the oath of office to become the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to be elected vice president. “We’ll be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress, and security,” the new president said in his inaugural address. He promised the nations of the world: “We will lead not merely by the example of our power but by the power of our example.” Copyright © ShareAmericaProvided by SyndiGate Media Inc.

Meet Biden’s choice for secretary of state: Antony Blinken

For Antony Blinken, the incoming administration’s pick for America’s top diplomat, returning to the U.S. State Department brings the opportunity to continue both professional and family traditions. If confirmed by the Senate, Blinken would resume a career at the State Department, where he served during the Clinton and Obama administrations. His career in public service follows in the steps of his father and uncle, who served as U.S. ambassadors. In November 24 remarks accepting his nomination to be the 71st U.S. secretary of state, Blinken said the experiences of his family members who fled pe...

Biden’s inauguration to blend the old with the new

Every four years, the American president is sworn in January 20 in Washington before big crowds. Presidents typically throw in concerts, parades and balls to create several days’ worth of festivities around their inaugurations. But as Joseph R. Biden Jr. becomes the 46th president of the United States on January 20, shoulder-to-shoulder crowds will be replaced by American flags fluttering on the National Mall. Instead of the usual lineup of marching bands, there will be a virtual parade to include performers from around the country. Authorities have scaled back the festivities to avoid the spr...