Covid 19
Articles tagged with Covid 19
Forgotten and isolated: 1.8 million people still vulnerable to Covid 19 face a mental health crisis
Diseases can spread between apartments via shared ventilation, study shows
Psychological factors sustaining gastric cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic
Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases are primary drivers of excess US deaths compared to other high-income countries
Seasonal COVID-19 vaccination in 2025/26 reduced risk of illness by half in Canada
Mitochondrial stress identified as a key factor in rare myocarditis after messenger RNA vaccination
Scientists use ultrasound to destroy influenza A and COVID-19 viruses without damaging human cells
Researchers used high-frequency ultrasound waves to eliminate viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 by causing structural changes that led to inactivation. The technique uses acoustic resonance, which differs from cavitation, a process used for decontamination.
Early human embryonic cells may be vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection
Researchers discovered that early-stage ectoderm cells are especially susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with heightened vulnerability driven by elevated TMPRSS2 activity and thinner glycocalyx. This raises concerns about potential developmental risks, particularly for infants born to mothers infected during early pregnancy.
The handbook that can prepare countries for the next pandemic
A new handbook produced jointly by Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg aims to improve decision-making and preparedness for future pandemics. The handbook provides practical guidance on how mathematical models can be used to inform decision-making, particularly in times of crisis.
Study confirms effectiveness of medicinal plant against SARS-CoV-2 virus
A study published in Scientific Reports confirms the anti-viral properties of galloylquinic acids extracted from Copaifera lucens leaves, inhibiting viral entry and replication. The substance's multi-target mechanism reduces the likelihood of resistance developing, making it a promising therapeutic candidate against COVID-19.
Bereavement and risk of cardiovascular disease before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
A cohort study found that bereavement was associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The strongest association was observed for partner or sibling loss during the pandemic, highlighting the importance of targeted clinical monitoring and preventive care for bereaved individuals.
Covid snacking habits and their consequences
A Japanese study examines the long-term effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on individuals with glucose intolerance, revealing a clear divergence in clinical trajectories among those who worsened and improved. Flexible lifestyle adaptation is crucial for restoring metabolic health, suggesting personalized support may improve glycemic control.
Researchers explore potential link between COVID-19 and lung cancer risk
A potential association between COVID-19 and increased lung cancer risk has been identified through a study integrating human clinical data with mechanistic research. The study found that SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to long-term lung disease by promoting inflammation, fibrosis, and tumor-related pathways.
Long COVID associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease
A new study finds that people with long COVID are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including cardiac arrhythmias and coronary artery disease. The study shows that women with long COVID have twice the risk of receiving a cardiovascular diagnosis compared to women without the condition.
Observation of nonrandom patterns of spike D614 reversions in SARS-CoV-2 delta and omicron BA. 2
Researchers observed nonrandom patterns of spike D614 reversions in SARS-CoV-2 delta and omicron BA.2 variants, suggesting a non-spontaneous mechanism. These reversions occurred disproportionately after peak transmission periods and showed geographic clustering.
Postacute sequelae following omicron COVID-19 in patients with cancer
Among highly boosted patients with cancer, overall postacute sequelae risk was not elevated compared to noninfected patients; hospitalized COVID-19 patients remained at increased risk despite therapeutics. Vaccination and boosting remain important in mitigating long COVID among immunocompromised patients
Solving a century-old mystery of arboviral transmission: A new mechanism opens new paths for prevention and control
A commentary resolves a century-old mystery of arboviral transmission by identifying molecular constraints that govern systemic viral dissemination in mosquitoes. The study reveals that flaviviruses use extracellular vesicles to transmit and are bound by valosin-containing protein, providing targets for prevention and control.
Normative messaging bridges the partisan gap in pandemic risk-taking, study shows
Research shows that targeted interventions highlighting personal impact on others can alter behavior among partisans. Both Republican and Democratic voters reduced risk-taking when presented with a simple message asking to choose the safer option for themselves and others.
Screen time among children and adolescents has increased over three decades – especially after COVID-19 pandemic
A new systematic review found that screen time use among children and adolescents has dramatically risen over the past three decades, with a clear increase occurring after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The review analyzed 60 peer-reviewed studies and found that older children and adolescents reported higher screen time than young...
This could be why COVID and flu are so dangerous to the elderly
A new study by UC San Francisco reveals that aging lung tissue can lead to catastrophic immune dysregulation, causing elderly individuals to become severely ill. The research suggests that targeting the damaged spiral of inflammaging could provide a promising therapeutic target for treating age-related respiratory diseases.
Genetic breakthrough uncovers evolutionary limits of the COVID-19 virus
A new study reveals that COVID-19 virus genetic evolution was constrained within limited channels despite rapid changes. The research found that the virus altered by combining pre-existing mutations, rather than expanding its genetic routes.
New lipid nanoparticle design improves precision of mRNA vaccine delivery
Researchers redesigned a key component of lipid nanoparticles to steer particles toward lymph nodes, reducing off-target delivery. This advancement could make mRNA vaccines more efficient, potentially achieving strong immune protection at lower doses.
Study shows COVID-19 pandemic’s disrupted young children’s executive function development
A study found that the COVID-19 pandemic slowed the development of executive function skills in young children, leading to systemic academic and behavioral challenges. The research, tracking over 3,100 children from age 3 to 11, suggests that supporting executive function may be a key recommendation for pandemic recovery efforts.
Autoantibodies implicated as drivers of long COVID in new study
A new study suggests that autoantibodies from Long COVID patients can induce persistent pain-like symptoms in mice, providing evidence for a potential causal role of autoantibodies in the condition. The research also highlights distinct biological subgroups and offers hope for targeted antibody-based therapies.
Primary care continuity remained high in community health centers despite COVID-19 disruptions
Researchers found that community health centers sustained strong patient-clinician relationships during the pandemic, with higher continuity rates among older adults and those with above-average income. Lower continuity rates were associated with female gender, Hispanic ethnicity, and telehealth use.
New estimates of uncounted COVID-19 deaths reveal critical gaps in US death investigation system
A new study found that over 155,000 US deaths between March 2020 and December 2021 were not officially recorded as COVID-19 deaths, highlighting critical gaps in the death investigation system. These unrecognized deaths disproportionately affected certain populations, including racial and ethnic minorities.
Engineered lipid nanoparticles reprogram immune metabolism for better mRNA vaccines
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed lipid nanoparticles that modify immune metabolism to strengthen mRNA vaccines and reduce common side effects. The new lipid boosts the metabolism of immune cells, providing energy for the body's defenses while dialing down inflammatory signals.
Inappropriate antibiotic use for COVID-19 is linked to resistance
Using azithromycin within one day triggers antibiotic resistance in the respiratory tract, according to a study published in Nature Microbiology. The researchers followed hospitalized COVID-19 patients and found that azithromycin changed the mix of microbes in the upper airway, leading to persistent changes for more than a week.
Severe COVID-19, flu facilitate lung cancer months or years later, new research shows
Severe COVID-19 and influenza infections can prime the lungs for cancer development, according to new research. Vaccination, however, largely prevents these changes, suggesting a reduced risk of lung cancer.
Study finds correlation between public health, tax policies
A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found a strong correlation between state tax revenue and public health policies during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. States with higher sales tax revenue were associated with shorter stay-at-home orders, while those without sales tax had longer durations.
How viruses mess with our brains
A review of 900 scientific articles identified several biological markers associated with cognitive decline in viral infections, including activated monocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, certain markers like anti-inflammatory cytokines are linked to better preservation of cognitive abilities.
Children’s development set back years by Covid lockdowns, study reveals
A study from the University of East Anglia found that Covid lockdowns disrupted children's ability to self-regulate, leading to slower growth in executive functions. Reception-age children, who normally learn to socialize and navigate classroom routines, showed significant setbacks in cognitive flexibility and self-regulation skills.
Long COVID and recovery among US adults
A recent study found that nearly 6 in 10 long COVID patients have recovered, but many adults over 35 continue to experience lasting symptoms. The study's authors suggest greater investment in understanding biological mechanisms may provide insights into pathways of persistence and potential targets for intervention.
NUS Medicine-Monash study: Intranasal vaccine booster shows stronger immune response and protection against sarbecoviruses
The study found that the intranasal vaccine booster Clec9A OMNI induced significantly stronger neutralising antibody responses and robust T-cell responses in the lungs and nasal tissues, offering robust protection against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection. This breakthrough may address current shortcomings of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, includi...
Tulane study reveals key differences in long-term brain effects of COVID-19 and flu
A new Tulane University study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes persistent brain inflammation and small blood vessel injury, even after the virus is no longer detectable. This finding helps explain why long COVID often includes neurological symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue.
COVID-19 infection predicts higher risk of kidney disease, study finds
A study found that COVID-19 infection significantly increases the risk of acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure in US adults. The research used machine learning models to analyze data from over three million patients, revealing a 2.3-times higher risk of acute kidney injury compared to influenza.
36 months later: Distance learning in the wake of COVID-19
After the pandemic, most museums continued offering online programs, with a focus on school programs for K-12 students. The shift was driven by partnerships between museums and public schools in need of digital content.
Missed opportunity to protect pregnant women and newborns: Study shows low vaccination rates among expectant mothers in Norway against COVID-19 and influenza
A study of over 50,000 pregnant women in Norway found low vaccination rates against COVID-19 and influenza, with only 29.9% and 12.1% vaccinated respectively. The study highlights the need for targeted strategies to improve vaccination uptake among expectant mothers.
New single-cell transcriptomic clock reveals intrinsic and systemic T cell aging in COVID-19 and HIV
Researchers developed a new single-cell transcriptomic clock called Tictock to measure aging in specific immune cells. The study found that COVID-19 and HIV alter T cell composition and accelerate the biological age of naïve CD8 T cells, while long-term antiretroviral therapy stabilizes T cell proportions.
CHEST announces first class of certified critical care advanced practice providers awarded CCAPP Designation
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has certified its first class of critical care advanced practice providers with the CCAPP designation. This achievement recognizes their dedication to high-quality patient care and their role in supporting multidisciplinary critical care teams. The CCAPP certification is designed to vali...
Admissions for child maltreatment decreased during first phase of COVID-19 pandemic, but ICU admissions increased later
Hospital admissions for child maltreatment declined by 31% during the initial lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic but rebounded to pre-pandemic levels after restrictions were lifted. However, rates of admission to intensive care units (ICUs) increased by 80% after the 16-week period of restricted healthcare access.
Children with sleep apnea face higher risk of flu and COVID-19, new study finds
A new study by Dr. Alex Gileles-Hillel and colleagues found that children with sleep apnea are twice as likely to contract the flu or COVID-19. The researchers suggest prioritizing annual vaccinations for these children to prevent severe respiratory complications.
Mask-wearing during COVID-19 linked to reduced air pollution–triggered heart attack risk in Japan
A nationwide Japanese study of 270,000 patients found that widespread mask-wearing during the pandemic significantly lowered PM2.5-associated risk of MINOCA, a non-obstructive type of heart attack. The study suggests that simple protective measures like mask use can mitigate cardiovascular risks associated with air pollution.
Researchers question editorial bias in COVID-19 vaccine debate
A new commentary raises concerns about editorial bias in scientific publishing, particularly in relation to COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy. The authors highlight the rejection of a case report and literature review that raised potential links between mRNA vaccines and rare blood cancers.
Vanderbilt Health to lead expanded multisite study of immunomodulation in long COVID
A phase 3 trial will assess the efficacy of baricitinib in reducing persistent neurological and cardiopulmonary symptoms of long COVID. The study, REVERSE-LC, aims to address the massive public health problem of long COVID, which affects millions worldwide.
Case report explores potential link between mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and cancer
A case report investigates a woman's development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma after receiving her second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, highlighting potential genetic and molecular mechanisms involved in disease pathogenesis.
Long COVID linked to Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms
A new study found that patients with Long COVID have a larger choroid plexus, which tracks with Alzheimer's disease markers and greater dementia risk. The research also suggests that CP alterations may predict long-term cognitive issues in some individuals.
No association between COVID-vaccine and decrease in childbirth
A study from Linköping University in Sweden found no association between COVID-19 vaccination and decreased childbirth rates. Researchers analyzed data on over 60,000 women and found no statistically significant difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.
Survival of patients diagnosed with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic
A recent cohort study found that individuals diagnosed with cancer in 2020 and 2021 experienced worse short-term survival rates compared to those diagnosed between 2015 and 2019. The study suggests substantial harms associated with cancer care disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Estimated effectiveness of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccination against severe COVID-19
The study found that 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines offer protection against COVID-19 hospitalization and severe in-hospital outcomes. Monitoring vaccine effectiveness remains crucial to guide vaccine composition and recommendations.
Paid sick leave as disease prevention
Researchers found that paid sick leave is linked to lower perceived infection risk, reduced job stress, and higher job satisfaction among home service workers. The study suggests that expanding paid sick leave can be a population-level prevention strategy during public health emergencies.
Metformin shown to prevent Long COVID across risk groups in multiple randomized trials
The study found that metformin reduces the risk of developing Long COVID by approximately one case for every 50 cases of acute SARS-CoV-2 treated with 14 days of metformin. Metformin can be used alone or combined with other treatments to prevent Long COVID in most adults.
Wastewater surveillance reveals true scale of COVID-19 spread as clinical testing declines
A study in Japan found that wastewater surveillance can uncover the true scale of COVID-19 spread by detecting high viral loads in sewage despite reduced clinical testing. This approach offers an objective view of community-wide infection levels, unaffected by changes in testing policies or public behavior.
UC San Diego study cites link between mental health and long COVID in older women
A UC San Diego study found that older women with a history of depression and anxiety had a 78% higher risk of developing long COVID. The researchers analyzed data from the Women's Health Initiative and hope to inform preventative measures for public health officials and policymakers.
Primary care home visits for older adults declined after payment policy changes and COVID-19 in Ontario, Canada
In Ontario, primary care home visits for adults aged 65 years and older decreased by nearly 30% after a 2019 policy change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonpalliative visits declined more than palliative ones, which showed growth after 2020.
Trends in county-level childhood vaccination exemptions in the US
This study reveals an increase in nonmedical childhood vaccination exemptions from 2010 to 2024, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, with wide regional disparities.
New hypothesis links HPV E6 and SARS‑CoV‑2 spike proteins to reduced p53 activity
A new hypothesis article proposes that HPV E6 and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins could cooperate in suppressing host defenses including tumor suppressor mechanisms involving p53. Laboratory studies suggest that combined viral pressures on tumor-suppressor pathways may contribute to cancer progression.
The Lancet: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy decreased over time, though mistrust persists among certain groups, study of over 1 million people in England suggests
A study of over 1.1 million people in England found that most COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is addressable and can be reduced over time. Among those who initially expressed hesitation, 65% went on to get vaccinated at least once, highlighting the potential for targeted messaging and information to improve vaccine uptake.
Evaluation of cancer reports following COVID-19 vaccination and infection
A global review of COVID-19 vaccination and infection cases found associations between the two and certain types of cancer. The study analyzed 69 publications and identified potential biological mechanisms, including immune responses and inflammation.