The Scan

Novavax reports its candidate SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has a high efficacy rate, though that rate dropped against the South African strain of the virus, according to the New York Times.

In Science this week: atomic structure of the activated human minor spliceosome, and more.

Science reports President Joe Biden has created a scientific integrity review task force.

In Nature this week: genetic and proteomic data gives Alzheimer's disease development insights, whole-genome doubling could be targeted in cancer, and more.

23andMe has launched a new tool that estimates someone's risk of developing severe COVID-19 if infected, Bloomberg reports.

In Cell this week: proteomic patterns among COVID-19 affected tissue samples, transcriptome atlas of developing intestines, and more.

Imperial College London researchers are shifting away from testing a COVID-19 vaccine to focus on combating newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, the Independent says.

A new analysis suggests the B.1.1.7 strain of SARS-CoV-2 could be deadlier than previous ones, according to the Guardian.

NPR reports Merck is halting the development of its two candidate SARS-CoV-2 vaccines following disappointing Phase 1 results.

According to NBC News, new SARS-CoV-2 variants are making it harder for researchers to model the course of the pandemic.

The New York Times reports that experts say President Joe Biden's goal of vaccinating 1 million people a day in the US in the next 100 days is too low a bar.

Anthony Fauci also informed the World Health Organization executive board that the US would be joining the COVAX initiative, according to CNBC.