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Coronavirus damages the endocrine system

A new review finds that COVID-19 can cause damage to the endocrine system, leading to worsening of existing conditions and increased risk of diabetes. Steroids may be a crucial treatment option for patients with COVID-19, as recent studies have shown improved mortality rates in severely ill patients treated with dexamethasone.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateJul 2, 2020

Promising path found for COVID-19 therapeutics

A team of UGA scientists has successfully demonstrated that a set of drug-like small molecules can block the activity of the SARS-CoV-2 protein PLpro, providing a promising path for new COVID-19 therapeutics. The discovery offers a potential rapid development path to generating PLpro-targeted therapeutics for use against SARS-CoV-2.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateJun 11, 2020

The Lancet: Most comprehensive study to date provides evidence on optimal physical distancing, face masks, and eye protection to prevent spread of COVID-19

A comprehensive review of 172 studies found that physical distancing of at least 1 meter reduces COVID-19 transmission risk, while face coverings and eye protection may provide additional benefits. However, no intervention offers complete protection, emphasizing the need for combined measures.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 1, 2020

SARS influencing response to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic in Singapore

The article highlights key areas of review for diagnostic radiologists, vascular and interventional radiologists, nuclear medicine and molecular imaging specialists, as well as radiographers and nursing units. It emphasizes the need for rapid sharing of accurate information, infection prevention, and control knowledge, and emotional ma...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMar 6, 2020

AJR: Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) imaging features overlap with SARS and MERS

COVID-19 imaging features exhibit variable and nonspecific characteristics, but also share similarities with those of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Initial chest imaging abnormalities are common, affecting at least 85% of patients, often displaying bilateral lung involvement.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateFeb 28, 2020

New JACEP Open analyses explore coronavirus risk factors and public health concerns

Risk factors for transmission of coronavirus include flu-like symptoms, recent travel to China, and close contact with someone infected. Public health concerns highlighted by the outbreak include economic and social risks, misinformation, and anxiety-driven public behavior change.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalJournal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open·DateFeb 27, 2020

Restricted permit-only access to Yosemite National Park's Half Dome summit, anticipated to improve hiker safety, did not

A new study published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine found that implementing permit-only access to Half Dome cable handrails did not result in a significant reduction in hiker safety or search and rescue activity. In fact, the number of incidents and fatalities remained similar before and after the restrictions were implemented.

SourceElsevier·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 26, 2019

Simulations of every woman's breast tissue address delay on enhanced MRI cancer detection

Purdue University researchers have simulated how over 20 different breast tissue ratios respond to heat given off by MRIs at higher field strengths. The simulations showed that a fivefold increase in SAR could still stay within FDA limits for most breast tissue ratios, enabling the use of 7 tesla technology for safer cancer detection.

SourcePurdue University·JournalMagnetic Resonance in Medicine·DateSep 19, 2018

Bat cave study sheds new light on origin of SARS virus

A new study sheds light on the origin of the SARS virus, finding that genetic recombination between viral strains in bats may have produced the direct evolutionary ancestor of the strain that caused a deadly outbreak. The study also identified strains capable of entering human cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 30, 2017

Three decades of responding to infectious disease outbreaks

The article highlights the lessons learned from past infectious disease outbreaks, including HIV/AIDS and SARS, to inform current responses to emerging threats such as Zika. The NIAID Director emphasizes the importance of sustained support for scientific research and effective communication with policymakers and communities.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 14, 2017

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Post-SARS, infection rates in China have steadied, but fast-growing and common infections now need attention

A new study tracks infectious disease trends in China over ten years, finding that while overall incidence has declined, some diseases like hydatid disease and hepatitis C are on the rise. The study highlights the need for improved prevention and control measures, particularly in remote border regions.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 12, 2017

Researchers identify mechanism in chikungunya virus that controls infection and severity

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health identified a mechanism by which the chikungunya virus controls infection severity. The study found that all alphaviruses and coronaviruses may work in the same way, and that breaking a specific protein bond can prevent viral replication.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017

First-ever possible treatments for MERS

Scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have discovered two therapeutics that neutralize the MERS virus, providing early hope for treatment and prevention. The study validated these treatments using animal models, setting the stage for clinical trials to test their effectiveness in humans.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2015

Recent Ebola outbreak highlights need for better global response

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa underscores the importance of real-time data sharing among scientists to improve public health responses. Implementing a regional diagnostic approach can enhance laboratory capabilities, reduce waiting times for test results, and help determine whether established test methods will work or fail.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 7, 2014

Bats confirmed as SARS origin

A team of scientists isolated a live virus from horseshoe bats in China, confirming them as the origin of the SARS-CoV. The discovery will help governments design effective prevention strategies for similar epidemics.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature·DateOct 30, 2013

LLNL scientists make new discoveries in the transmission of viruses between animals and humans

A team of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists, led by Monica Borucki, has made promising new discoveries about the emergence of inter-species transmittable viruses. They found that genetic diversity within a host animal can allow a virus to adapt and reach a human host, advancing our understanding of how new viruses spread.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateAug 12, 2013