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By Pooja Toshniwal Paharia Sep 5 2023

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv preprint* server, researchers in Sweden investigated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein amyloid as a potential triggering factor for protein misfolding and amyloid formation in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs).

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are accelerated by the conversion of human proteins into misfolded amyloid fibril aggregates. This process is self-perpetuating through seeding from preformed fibril seeds. SARS-CoV-2 S, abundant in the inflammatory response, is a plausible mechanism for amyloid fibril formation.

Study: SARS-CoV-2 Spike amyloid fibrils specifically and selectively accelerates amyloid fibril formation of human prion protein and the amyloid β peptide. Image Credit: Design_Cells / Shutterstock

*Important notice: bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. About the study

In the present study, researchers performed cross-seeding neurodegenerative disease-related proteins with S protein amyloid fibrils.

In the in vitro environment, seeding studies were carried out by cross-seeding human prion protein (HuPrP)- and the Aβ1-42 protein-derived with seven distinct amyloid protein fibrils obtained from SARS-CoV-2 S peptides. The researchers examined whether SARS-CoV-2 S protein-derived amyloid protein accelerates the human A peptide and HuPrP fibril formation. Thus, prefabricated fibrils from seven SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan-Hu-1 strain S amyloidogenic sequences (spike seeds)-derived peptides, each 20 amino-acid long, were added, matching the starting protein sequence of the S glycoprotein.

E. Coli was used to make human PrP. To test seeding effect specificity, 10% seed concentrations of different amyloidogenic proteins such as Aβ1-42, TTR, insulin, and lysozyme were introduced. ThT fluorescence changes with time were used to monitor fibrillation. To slow the fibrillation rate of the unseeded HuPrP reaction and dissolve the S protein peptides, hexafluoro-isopropanol (HFIP) was used. The heterologous seed might be a protein that differs from the substrate by a single point mutation, the same protein from a different species, or another protein related to the same illness.

The seeding effect of S protein amyloids was studied using Aβ1-42 as a substrate. Replicate reaction samples were obtained for inspection using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) while ThT was monitoring Aβ1-42 fibril development. To match the greatest concentration of S protein peptide amyloids, the team added control seeds to HuPrP at 0.010 mg/mL concentration. The positive control was the fibrillar form of HuPrP90-231 at 0.0010 mg/mL concentration. Results

Using an in vitro conversion experiment, the researchers discovered that S protein-amyloid fibril-seeded amyloid production of CJD-associated HuPrP was significantly accelerated. The HuPrP conversion assay was seeded with different in vitro-generated disease-associated amyloid fibrils, and the Aβ1-42 protein was exposed to a panel of control seeds, but no fibril development was accelerated for insulin, lysozyme, or TTR. The findings indicated seeding as a unique property of S protein-amyloid fibrils rather than a universal impact.

Positive controls included Aβ1-42 protein fibrils and an amalgamation of seven fibrillated S glycoprotein peptides, and both controls indicated seeding action. Further, S protein-amyloid fibril seeds enhanced amyloid fibril development in AD-associated Aβ1-42. Spike532 (532NLVKNKCVNFNFNGLTGTGV551) was most successful in seeding HuPrP, whereas Spike601 (601GTNTSNQVAVLYQDVNCTEV620) was most effective in seeding Aβ1-42, demonstrating substrate-dependent selectivity of the cross-seeding activity.

The development of Aβ1-42 fibrils was enhanced by all seven S protein amyloids. However, like with HuPrP seeding, there was a considerable differential in seeding efficiency across the various S protein amyloids, with Aβ1-42 being more responsive to Spike601. The exponential phase of growth was finished for all seeded samples at 120 minutes in the TEM study, whereas the unseeded specimen, lacking fibrillar components but rich in oligomeric structures, continued to be in the beginning nucleation phase. Amyloid fibrils were seen in all S peptide amyloid-seeded samples.

The CJD-linked HuPrP and AD-linked Aβ1-42 peptides showed cross-seeding vulnerability with SARSCoV-2 S glycoprotein amyloids. Spike532 amyloid considerably shortened the lag period of amyloid production for HuPrP by a greater extent than other amyloid peptides, but Spike192 amyloid protein did not significantly reduce the lag period.

Spike532 seeding significantly reduced the lag period of HuPrP protein fibrillation by 80%, from 712 to 135 minutes on average. The 10-fold spike seed dilution nearly eliminated the seeding abilities of the S protein amyloids. Nevertheless, Spike532 amyloid almost retained its ability to reduce the lag period, with only a 10% reduction in the ability by the dilution.

The 0.010 mg/mL SARS-CoV-2 S protein mixture reduced lag duration from 6.75 hours to 5.1 hours (25%). Insulin fibrils reduced the lag period of HuPrP protein fibrillation considerably, while TTR, lysozyme, and the Aβ1-42 protein fibrils did not. The authors did not propose a mechanistic explanation for the lower Aβ1-42/40 ratio among SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals, but Aβ1-42 accumulation might be one. All seven investigated SARS-CoV-2 S peptide amyloids significantly reduced the duration of fibril generation, especially in an already swift, unseeded response. Spike532 was the most efficient at HuPrP seeding, while Spike601 was the most efficient for Aβ1-42 seeding.

Overall, the study findings showed that SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein amyloid fibrils preferentially and specifically enhanced the production of HuPrP and amyloid peptide amyloid fibrils. The findings, albeit solely in vitro, indicated that S protein-amyloid fibril cross-seeding may be involved in the growing number of cases of CJD, AD, and perhaps other NDs in the aftermath of COVID-19.

*Important notice: bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. Journal reference: Preliminary scientific report. Johan Larsson, Ebba Hellstrand, Per Hammarström, Sofie Nyström. SARS-CoV-2 Spike amyloid fibrils specifically and selectively accelerates amyloid fibril formation of human prion protein and the amyloid β peptide. bioRxiv preprint 2023, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.09.01.555834, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.01.555834v1

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Massive Anker SOLIX Easter Sale takes 54% off power stations, Lectric switches up April e-bike sale from $999, Worx robot mowers, more

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April 8, 2025

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Massive Anker SOLIX Easter Sale takes 54% off power stations, Lectric switches up April e-bike sale from 9, Worx robot mowers, more

Headlining today’s Green Deals is the massive Anker SOLIX Easter Sale lineup with up to 54% discounts on power stations and solar generators, and there’s even free gear coming along with select model purchases. Among the huge lineup of deals, we’re seeing returning low prices on the new F3800 Plus Portable Power Station that starts from $3,199 on top of an even more expansive list of bundle discounts that we saw during its launch. We also noticed Lectric has changed up its April Showers Sale, with the XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes starting from $999 getting larger bundles up to $316 in size, among other offers. Lastly, Worx’s Landroid M 20V and L 20V Robot Lawn Mowers are down at $600 and $750 right now for a more affordable means to upgrade your lawn care with autonomous support. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Jackery early Easter Sale deals, Tenways’ e-bike Spring Sale, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Massive Anker SOLIX Easter Sale offers F3800 Plus from $3,199 and tons more at up to 54% off

Anker has launched its SOLIX Easter Sale through April 20 with up to 54% discounts on power stations and some free gear being given away with select model purchases. We’re seeing some returning low prices alongside even more bundle options on the newest release, the F3800 Plus Portable Power Station, which starts at $3,199 shipped. Sadly, it and its bundles do not come with the bonus free solar panel and rewards that we saw during its release – but you will be getting a free protective cover with it (valued at $160), making it a great option if you missed out on those launch deals. The station is coming down off its $4,799 price tag during this sale, which is a solid 33% markdown that puts $1,600 back in your pocket at the lowest price we have tracked.

As mentioned before, there are a few gifts available on select purchases, with the F3800 and F3800 Plus offers coming along with a free protective cover for the power station while the C800 Plus and C1000 offers get a free folding camping chair. Of course, as is often the case, purchasing direct from Anker’s website scores members AnkerCredit rewards that can be redeemed for rewards and benefits.

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Anker’s SOLIX F3800 Plus starts off with the same 3,840Wh capacity as the standard F3800 model, which can also expand up to 26,900Wh with the addition of six expansion batteries while also being compatible with its predecessor to be paired up with it. It provides up to 6,000W of initial power output through its 15 port options, surging to 9,000W for larger needs – but it doesn’t stop there, as its output expands to 12,000W when two stations are paired together, whether they both be plus or standard models.

There are a few key differences between this model and its predecessor, with the F3800 Plus having one additional way to recharge its battery, namely getting 6,000W input from a gas generator on top of an increased 3,200W solar input (800W over the F3800) and the usual AC outlet recharging too. Aside from those, a decision between the two models depends on how you’re powering up EVs and RVs. The standard F3800 sports both a L14-30R and 14-50R output, while the F3800 Plus sports L14-30R and TT-30R ports.

F3800 Plus solar generator bundles:

F3800 Plus home backup bundles:

Standard F3800 power station/solar generator offers:

Standard F3800 home backup bundles:

Anker’s SOLIX Easter Sale F2000 deals:

Anker’s SOLIX Easter Sale C1000 power station deals:

Anker’s SOLIX Easter Sale C800 power station deals:

Anker’s SOLIX Easter Sale C200 & C300 power station deals:

Anker’s SOLIX accessory deals:

To browse the full massive lineup of deals during Anker’s SOLIX Easter Sale, head to the landing page here.

lectric xp lite 2.0 e-bike

Lectric changes up April sale with larger XP Lite 2.0 long-range e-bike bundles starting from $999, more

Lectric has switched gears on its ongoing April Showers Sale with up to $654 in free gear accompanying your e-bike purchase. We’re seeing some changing bundle sizes across a sizeable selection of the brand’s models, with a notable increase on the XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes that have the standard models starting from $999 shipped and coming with up to $316 in free gear (the Arctic White model is only getting a $148 bundle), while the JW Black belt-drive model sitting higher at $1,099 shipped and coming with $365 in free gear. These bundles would normally run you from $1,147 to $1,464, respectively, but you’ll be able to outfit them with some solid add-on gear at no extra cost to you, with these bundles coming in as the third-largest packages that we have tracked.

While you could grab one of the shorter-range models starting from $799 right now, they unfortunately do not come with any additional gear like their long-range counterparts. Regardless of which you choose, these e-bikes offer a more expansive range of colorways than we usually see from Lectric, beyond just the black/white designs.

The standard long-range XP Lite 2.0 e-bikes are the brand’s lightest models, weighing in at just 49 pounds for a more manageable time when storing or transporting them outside of your journeys. They come with 672Wh batteries to run the 300W rear hub motor that peaks at 819Wh, providing up to 80 miles of travel time when the five levels of PAS are activated and a top speed of 20 MPH. For what they are priced at, you’re getting some solid features, including hydraulic mineral oil brakes, 20×2.5-inch slick tires with 3mm Hippo Skin liner, and pre-slimed tubes for anti-puncture resistance. There’s also the BMX-style handlebars, a foldable design at the handlebar stem and on the pedals, and a full color LCD display that has a USB-A charging port for your devices.

The difference between these standard models and the JW black model, is the change over from a chain-drive to a carbon fiber-reinforced Gates Carbon Drive belt system. This gives the e-bike a quieter, smoother, and oil-free experience that improves performance for greater efficiency while also providing a longer-lasting lifespan over longer-term usage.

Lectric XP Lite 2.0 LR e-bike offers with up to $365 bundles:

Lectric XPedition 2.0 offers with up to $654 bundles:

Lectric XP 3.0 e-bike offers with up to $455 bundles:

Lectric XP Trike with $420 bundle

Lectric XPeak 2.0 offers with up to $316 bundles:

Lectric XPress 750 Commuter e-bikes with up to $316 bundle

Lectric ONE LR e-bike with $220 bundle

You can browse the full lineup of deals on the landing page here, and we have a few alternate brand sales running at the same time too.

Worx Landroid Robot Lawn Mower

Automate your lawn care with Worx’s Landroid 1/4 and 1/2-acre robot lawn mowers from $600 (Save up to $149)

Amazon is now offering the Worx Landroid M 20V Robotic Lawn Mower for $599.99 shipped. While it does carry a $900 price tag, we’ve been more recently seeing it keep at $719 on average at Amazon, with discounts in 2025 mainly bringing costs down to $661, though there has been one previous fall to this same rate back in February. While we have seen it go as low as $529 in the past, you’re looking at a solid $119 markdown here today that drops costs among its lowest rates that we have tracked. It’s S 20V counterpart is sitting just $1 lower, while the L 20V model is down at $750 from its more recent $899 pricing.

The Worx Landroid robot mowers are a popular means to add autonomous support to your lawn maintenance routines, with the S 20V covering up to 1/8 acres, the M 20V covering 1/4 acres, and the L 20V covering up to a 1/2 acre of land on a single charge. They’ve been given an advanced AI system that keeps them on the course that you set around your yard, equipped with a floating blade disc that will lift itself to provide extra clearance while moving through uneven terrain. The full array of smart controls can be accessed in its companion app through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth – plus, the included batteries are compatible and interchangeable with other tools in Worx’s PowerShare ecosystem.

Best New Year EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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Here’s a better look at the $22,000 Volkswagen ID.1 EV inside and out [Video]

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2 hours ago

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April 8, 2025

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Here's a better look at the $22,000 Volkswagen ID.1 EV inside and out [Video]

Volkswagen's-ID.1-EV

Volkswagen’s smallest and cheapest EV, the ID.1, will start at around $22,000 (20,000 euros) when it arrives. Despite its compact size, the entry-level electric car could be the brand’s biggest hit yet with advanced new software from Rivian. Here’s a closer look at the upcoming EV.

When will Volkswagen’s entry-level ID.1 EV launch?

The ID.1 will be a part of Volkswagen’s affordable EV lineup, positioned below the production version of the ID.2all.

According to Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer, the ID.EVERY1 is the “last piece of the puzzle” as it aims to have the widest selection of EVs in the volume segment.

We got our first look at the low-cost EV last month after VW revealed the ID.EVERY1 concept car. The concept previews “an electric 20,000 euro Volkswagen” that will replace the Up! The entry-level EV is just 3,880 mm long, sitting between the former Up! (3,600 mm), ID.2all (4,050 mm), and Polo (4,074 mm).

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The production version will be the first VW model powered by its new software-defined architecture, which will use new tech from its partnership with US startup Rivian.

Volkswagen and Rivian launched a new software joint venture last November in a deal worth up to $5.8 billion. Using Rivian’s EV tech, the two are co-developing software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms that will be used in both companies’ next-gen EVs.

According to Volkswagen brand tech development boss Kai Grunitz, the ID.1 will gain new functions with OTA updates as its first SDV.

Volkswagen ID.EVERY1 interior (Source: Andreas Mindt)

Ahead of its official debut, lead designer Andreas Mindt created a new animation that gives us a closer look at the upcoming EV inside and out. You can see the fresh interior design includes new tech, smart storage, and more.

Like the ID.2all and sporty ID.GTI Concept, the ID.1 will ride on a new front-wheel-drive MEB platform. It’s expected to launch with at least 250 km (155 miles) of WLTP range.

Volkswagen ID.EVERY1 exterior (Source: Andreas Mindt)

Volkswagen will launch the production version of the ID.1 in 2027, following the ID.2 and an SUV version. It will be one of nine new VW models by 2027.

VW brand CFO David Powels confirmed last month that the company is launching its first SDV (the ID.1) ahead of schedule thanks to its partnership with Rivian.

Would you buy the ID.1 for around $22,000? It’s too bad it’s not expected to launch in the US. Drop us a comment below and let us know what you think of Volkswagen’s entry-level EV.

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Zoox expands testing operations to Los Angeles

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2 hours ago

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April 8, 2025

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Zoox expands testing operations to Los Angeles

Zoox Los Angeles

Zoox is saying, “LiDAR, camera, action!” The autonomous robotaxi developer announced an expansion into Los Angeles, marking Zoox’s sixth testing location. The initial rollout around Hollywood will be small to begin as Zoox remains “thoughtful and measured” in its rollout approach.

Zoox is a veteran robotaxi developer taking a unique design approach to bringing driverless technology to the masses. Rather than converting existing EVs into robotaxis like its competitors, Zoox has designed and rolled out an entirely purpose-built EV without pedals or a steering wheel.

Or, it will eventually do that. Many of its current testing vehicles are retrofitted models featuring LiDAR and other sensors.

In February 2023, Zoox initially began rides on public roads in Foster City, California – marking the first time a purpose-built autonomous vehicle without any manual controls had done so. In June of that same year, the company began driving on public roads in Las Vegas in preparation for a full commercial launch.

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That initial route in Vegas consisted of a one-mile loop near Zoox’s headquarters, offering the ability to transport as many as four passengers at speeds up to 35 mph (although the driverless EVs were designed to achieve speeds up to 75 mph). At the time, we reported that Zoox employees would conduct initial test rides before “expanding over the coming months.”

In early 2024, we reported that Zoox had expanded its Las Vegas geofence to a five-mile route from headquarters to the south end of the strip, with multiple routes available in between at speeds up to 45 mph. Since then, the robotaxi developer has expanded its North American operations to additional cities, including Miami and Austin.

Today, Zoox announced a sixth testing site, to the south of its native Bay Area of California, beginning autonomous operations in Los Angeles.

Zoox Los Angeles
An autonomous Zoox test vehicle / Source: Zoox

Zoox begins small test fleet rollout in Los Angeles

According to a blog post from Zoox today, the company is laying the groundwork for future urban expansions, including Los Angeles. In addition to The City of Angels, the company’s test fleet now includes San Francisco, Las Vegas, Seattle, Austin, and Miami.

To begin, Zoox said it plans to deploy a few retrofitted test fleet vehicles equipped with safety drivers around a small area of Los Angeles. As is its standard operating procedure with all new cities, Zoox will first send the test fleet to complete manual mapping missions before actual autonomous driving begins, which it intends to start this summer. Per the release:

Similar to our efforts in Austin and Miami, deploying in Los Angeles provides us with an opportunity to gather valuable feedback and insights. While traffic rules are consistent across different locations, there are a variety of driving conditions, potential roadwork, city events, and other map changes we want to learn about before expanding to other neighborhoods.

Zoox hopes to alleviate some of the traffic headaches that have become synonymous with life in Los Angeles:

 In 2024, the average Angeleno spent 157 hours driving, a figure that doubled from the previous year. Zoox sees potential in testing in Los Angeles and is excited to be able to give those that live, work, and travel to LA time back to socialize, relax, or work in the Zoox robotaxi en route to their destination.

The company promised to share an update on the availability of autonomous rides in Southern California and when it feels confident its vehicles are ready to operate in the new region following testing. Zoox is working to welcome its first public riders in Las Vegas and San Francisco later this year as it continues to lay the necessary foundations for future service expansions to other areas like Los Angeles and the cities mentioned above.

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