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Scientists identify antivirus system

Researchers have identified a security system in host cells that viruses exploit to replicate, allowing them to evade the immune system. The discovery sheds light on how some viruses add chemical caps to RNA to bypass host cell defenses.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2010

Did SARS make China a more global player?

A case study examining SARS' impact on China's engagement in global health diplomacy found that the epidemic exposed a fundamental shortcoming in the country's public health system. This has led to a reevaluation of China's approach to health as a global public concern, with caution against foreign interference.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 27, 2010

Researchers recreate SARS virus, open door for potential defenses against future strains

Scientists at UNC Chapel Hill and Vanderbilt University Medical Center successfully recreated the bat variant of the SARS coronavirus, a major step forward in developing effective vaccines and treatments. The research could help prevent future outbreaks by identifying key pathways in virus emergence.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2008

Synthetic virus supports a bat origin for SARS

Researchers have generated a synthetic SARS-like bat coronavirus that is infectious in cultured cells and mice, identifying pathways by which a bat coronavirus may have adapted to infect humans. The findings provide a model approach for rapid identification, analysis, and public health responses to future natural or intentional virus e...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2008

Purdue researcher invents molecule that stops SARS

A Purdue University researcher has created a compound that prevents replication of the SARS virus, which could lead to a treatment for the disease. The molecular inhibitor was developed through structure-based design and has been tested in laboratory settings.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2008

SARS: a model disease

A new predictive model of disease spread has been developed using actual travel and census data from over 3,000 urban areas in 220 countries. The model provides predictions of outbreak likelihood and potential spread, with simulations that fit the actual SARS virus pattern in 2002.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 21, 2007

SARS: No evidence that any of the treatments worked

A comprehensive review of SARS treatment efficacy has found no evidence that any treatments were effective in treating the virus. The review examined 54 SARS treatment studies and 15 in-vitro studies but concluded that none of the treatments were successful.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 11, 2006

Health-care workers' SARS protective clothing systems

A Queen's University study compares two recommended protective clothing systems for health-care workers and found that one leaves workers prone to contamination at their forearms, wrists, hands, and necks. The more elaborate ensemble offers superior protection but is time-consuming to don and remove without errors.

SourceQueen's University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 31, 2006

SARS vaccine development

Researchers developed a strategy combining two human monoclonal antibodies to combat SARS virus, offering potential breadth of protection against all strains and preventing escape variants. The study presents the characteristics of this antibody combination in cell-culture experiments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 3, 2006

Casting a wide net to fight coronaviruses

A team of researchers has developed an antiviral inhibitor that is active against several coronaviruses, including those causing the common cold and SARS. The compound targets the main protease enzyme, which is crucial for viral replication, and shows promise as a potential treatment for coronavirus-related diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 5, 2005

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for April 2005 (second issue)

A study found that family conferences in ICUs missed opportunities to discuss withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining therapy due to clinicians' failure to listen and respond appropriately. The missed opportunities fell into three categories: listening, acknowledging emotions, and addressing medical ethics principles.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 15, 2005

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for March 2005 (first issue)

A recent workshop on SARS published in the American Thoracic Society's peer-reviewed journal emphasizes the need for antiviral drugs to prevent and treat SARS. The study also explores the association between obesity and asthma, finding a significant link in female children who become overweight during late adolescence and early adulthood.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 1, 2005