Scientists have identified a highly conserved envelope protein in both SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1, which could be targeted with existing drugs to prevent acute respiratory distress syndrome. Researchers plan to conduct trials using FDA-approved medications and aim to utilize their data for vaccine design.
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.
Researchers will use ICM Pro software and X-ray crystallography to analyze SARS-CoV-2 proteins and identify potential therapeutic drug candidates. This work aims to provide a head start in combating future pandemics by understanding the biology of coronaviruses.
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.
A genetic study reveals that COVID-19 and SARS viruses have stable RNA fragments with stem-and-loop structures, which may enhance virus survival. Researchers used a new technique called Fate-seq to analyze the stability of these sequences in human cells.
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.
A study of over 3,550 patients with severe coronavirus infections suggests that most people will not suffer from mental health problems following infection. However, delirium and potential long-term mental health effects such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, and PTSD may occur in some cases.
Researchers identified an antibody, called S309, that can inhibit related coronaviruses, including the cause of COVID-19. The antibody targets a protein structure critical to the coronaviruses' ability to infect cells, neutralizing them and potentially providing a treatment for severe illness.
Researchers stress importance of detecting neutralizing antibodies in recovered patients. Studies on animal models inform vaccine design to prevent severe disease and death. Professor Subbarao draws parallels between SARS and COVID-19 viruses.
Researchers investigate lopinavir and ritonavir's effectiveness for treating COVID-19, finding current dosing may be ineffective. Cytokine levels are reported in a patient with COVID-19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome, highlighting the potential role of cytokines in disease progression.
A new evidence review by Oregon Health & Science University researchers shows that using personal protective equipment combined with proper training can lower the rate of coronavirus infections among healthcare workers. The study also found that infection control training and education are crucial in reducing transmission risk.
Researchers have synthesized novel lipophilic guanylhydrazones, finding that adamantane derivatives with hydrophobic bulky substituents exhibit synergistic trypanocidal activity. The most potent compound, G8, demonstrates nanomolar efficacy against T. brucei.
A WPI researcher's paper on the novel coronavirus has been published in a leading virology journal, revealing key findings on its structure and potential targets for treatment. The study found similarities between the COVID-19 virus and SARS, suggesting new antiviral strategies.
A Scripps Research study reveals a likely site of vulnerability on the new coronavirus at the root of COVID-19. The structural mapping revealed a nearly identical site on both coronaviruses to which the antibody binds, suggesting a functionally important and vulnerable site for this family of coronaviruses.
During the COVID-19 outbreak in China, cancer patients underwent enhanced care measures to minimize SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk. These measures included strict infection control protocols and isolation procedures.
The PREDICT Project has received a 6-month extension from the US Agency for International Development to provide emergency support for COVID-19 outbreak response, including early detection of SARS CoV-2. The project will also investigate the animal source of SARS CoV-2 using data and samples collected over 10 years.
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...
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.
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.
Researchers found remdesivir works by mimicking natural building blocks for RNA synthesis, preventing viral replication. The study provides important insight into the mechanism of action of the drug and its potential effectiveness against COVID-19.
Experts advise against using steroids to treat lung injury caused by coronavirus due to potential harm. Steroids can impair the immune system's ability to fight viruses, leading to prolonged illness and increased risk of complications.
Researchers have developed a targeted next-generation sequencing strategy to track bat-borne coronaviruses and monitor their spread. The approach uses enrichment with probes to increase sensitivity and reduce costs, allowing for the creation of a living probe library for frequent updates.
The emergence of a new coronavirus from animals to humans poses a significant threat, prompting the need for swift action. Researchers are developing diagnostic tests, exploring broad-spectrum anti-viral drugs, and adapting approaches used with earlier outbreaks to jumpstart candidate vaccine development.
A study analyzing pollen samples and radiocarbon dates found that human land use changes drove global soil erosion rates, starting around 4,000 years ago. In 70% of studied watersheds, land cover change was the main driver of soil erosion.
Researchers reconstructed the Anak Krakatau flank collapse using satellite remote sensing data, finding it was triggered by a relatively small landslide. The study shows that the collapse changed the eruption style, leading to a more explosive and destructive event.
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.
A study presents the results of clinical and nonclinical Metal Artifact Reduction Sequence (MARS) MRI protocols at 3 Tesla on different hip arthroplasty implants. The findings show that only a minimal risk of thermal injury occurs with these protocols, especially when considering perfusion effects.
Researchers have found GS-441524 to be highly effective in treating FIP, with 26 out of 31 cats showing significant improvement in appetite and weight gain. The treatment has also been shown to be safe for cats of all ages and stages of the disease.
Researchers discovered that a neutralizing antibody from SARS survivors can activate coronavirus membrane fusion by mimicking receptor-attachment. This breakthrough provides new insights into understanding the mechanisms of coronavirus infection and potentially lead to vaccine design.
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.
A new pig virus, porcine deltacoronavirus, has been found to be transmitted to humans and other species through cellular receptors. Researchers have confirmed the virus's ability to bind to cells in pigs and other animals, raising concerns about its potential to cause disease.
GOES satellites help track thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and flash floods, while also supporting search and rescue efforts through their transponders,
Researchers report on GS-5734, a broad spectrum antiviral drug that inhibits strains of SARS and MERS coronaviruses, as well as murine hepatitis virus. The drug targets airway epithelial cells, suggesting its potential in treating respiratory infections caused by coronaviruses.
Researchers analyzed daily social encounters of 1,450 residents to better understand epidemic growth. They found that age and day-to-day variation play a significant role in shaping these patterns.
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.
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.
A new antiviral drug candidate, GS-5734, has been shown to inhibit a broad range of coronaviruses, including the SARS and MERS coronaviruses. The compound was effective against human and animal coronaviruses, reducing viral load in lung tissue and improving respiratory functions.
A study in 20 countries found that bats harbor over 3,200 coronaviruses, most of which have yet to be detected. The viruses are concentrated in areas with high bat diversity, suggesting coevolution or adaptation.
The NASA Search and Rescue office is developing second-generation beacons with improved accuracy, which could save thousands of lives worldwide. The new beacons aim to reduce the search area from 2 kilometers to 100 meters, minimizing risk for responders.
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.
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.
Scientists have identified a new SARS-like virus, WIV1-CoV, that directly binds to the same human receptor as the SARS strain. The virus has the potential to infect humans without adaptation and replicate efficiently in human cells, raising concerns about a possible outbreak.
Research from University of Southampton found that copper can rapidly destroy human coronavirus 229E on common surface materials for at least five days. Copper alloy surfaces may help control transmission of respiratory viruses, especially when used in conjunction with effective cleaning regimes and good clinical practice.
Researchers developed a method to estimate real-time death risk during outbreaks, revealing that older patients and those with pre-existing illnesses had significantly higher mortality rates. The study applied this method to the 2015 Korean MERS epidemic, showing an estimated 20% overall mortality rate.
A study compared the population dynamics of MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV infections, finding that MERS-CoV predominantly affects males with multiple chronic conditions. This research highlights key differences between the two diseases, including mortality rates and transmission patterns.
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.
Researchers have developed a novel deformation monitoring technique using bistatic differential interferometry with GNSS as transmitters, achieving high accuracy and low cost. The method combines DGNSS and D-InSAR for real-time subsidence monitoring, potentially replacing traditional techniques and enhancing national security.
A novel deformation monitoring method using bistatic differential interferometry GNSS as illuminators offers high accuracy, low cost, and real-time subsidence monitoring for high-speed railway roadbed. The system combines DGNSS and D-In-SAR techniques to achieve better than 1mm real-time accuracy.
Radiologists in Singapore outline lessons learned from SARS to improve current Ebola outbreak response. The article highlights the importance of balancing clinical needs with patient and staff safety.
Scientists identified a compound that effectively inhibits an enzyme crucial to Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) viruses. The compound has a different mode of action for each virus due to slight differences in the enzyme.
A Purdue University-led research team has figured out how to disable the SARS virus's ability to hide it from the immune system. By removing specific proteins, the enzyme serves as a biological cloaking system, allowing the virus to live and replicate undetected.
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.
Scientists confirm camel to human transmission of MERS coronavirus, with viruses from infected humans and camels in the same region showing nearly identical RNA sequences. This suggests a zoonotic transmission pathway, allowing for specific reaction measures such as vaccinations.
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.
Recent paper reviews treatment scenarios for SARS, suggesting similar treatments may work for MERS-CoV. The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus has been identified in over 90 patients, with approximately 50% mortality rate.
Scientists estimate a minimum of 320,000 viruses in mammals, which could provide critical information for early detection and mitigation of disease outbreaks. This undertaking would cost approximately $6.3 billion, but limiting discovery to 85% of total viral diversity could bring the cost down to $1.4 billion.
A UCI-led study reveals how the SARS coronavirus hijacks host cells to replicate, providing insight into potential therapies. The research identifies three proteins responsible for this process, which could also be used by other pathogens.
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.
A new analysis of 47 MERS cases in Saudi Arabia found that most patients had underlying medical conditions and succumbed to the disease. In contrast to SARS, MERS appeared more deadly, with a 60% mortality rate among those with co-existing chronic illnesses.
Researchers estimate MERS-CoV's basic reproduction number (R0) is 0.69, compared to SARS' 2.2-3.7, suggesting a lower risk of pandemic potential.