The production of hydrogen and methane by geochemical reactions associated with the serpentinization of ultramafic rocks can potentially support subsurface microbial ecosystems independent of the photosynthetic biosphere. Methanogenic and methanotrophic microorganisms are abundant in marine hydrothermal systems heavily influenced by serpentinization, but evidence for methane-cycling archaea and bacteria in continental serpentinite springs has been limited. This report provides metagenomic and experimental evidence for active methanogenesis and methanotrophy by microbial communities in serpentinite springs of the Voltri Massif, Italy. Methanogens belonging to family Methanobacteriaceae and methanotrophic bacteria belonging to family Methylococcaceae were heavily enriched in three ultrabasic springs (pH 12). Metagenomic data also suggest the potential for hydrogen oxidation, hydrogen production, carbon fixation, fermentation, and organic acid metabolism in the ultrabasic springs. The predicted metabolic capabilities are consistent with an active subsurface ecosystem supported by energy and carbon liberated by geochemical reactions within the serpentinite rocks of the Voltri Massif.

Virtual peer teaching can be part of the solution to challenges in medical education during the pandemic. We developed an online clinician teacher elective, implemented virtual peer teaching throughout our curriculum, and believe it benefits students, peer teachers, and faculty. We plan to continue virtual peer teaching beyond the pandemic.

In Perú, men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) suffer rates of HIV 50 times greater than the general population. MSM or TW sex workers (SWs) are at especially high risk. Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively prevents HIV infection if patients adhere to a daily or on-demand regimen. Necessary levels of adoption and adherence require datadriven intervention strategies for these marginalized groups. We conducted qualitative content analysis of data obtained from focus groups (FGs) with MSM and TW SWs. Both groups expressed strong skepticism about the motives behind international drug trials, and the safety of participating in them. Important differences between MSM and TW groups' beliefs about trustworthy information as well as community and public institutions also emerged. MSM SWs were less trusting of information from other MSM SWs, and preferred to receive information from institutional medical sources, while TGW SWs preferred to receive information from other TGW SWs. Successful strategies to encourage PrEP uptake and adherence must address the distrust patients feel towards international and institutional actors by providing patients with tailored, reliable information from local and community sources that they trust.