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Researchers at Aarhus University, Denmark, develop a molecule that blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection

A research team at Aarhus University has developed an RNA aptamer that attaches to the surface of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles, preventing it from entering human cells. This molecule is cheaper and easier to manufacture than current antibodies, making it a promising tool for detecting covid-19 infection.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021

New COVID-19-discovery could predict patient death or hospitalization

Researchers from University of Copenhagen discover a protein analysis that can predict COVID-19 patient death or hospitalization with high accuracy, predicting 78.7% of hospitalizations and 93.9% of non-serious infections. This discovery has the potential to save lives by identifying high-risk individuals.

Researchers demonstrate vaccination approach in mice that could prevent future coronavirus outbreaks

Researchers in Japan developed a vaccination approach that promotes the production of antibodies neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. The new strategy involves genetically engineering the spike protein receptor-binding domain to shield its head region, boosting antibody production against the core region.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

These fridge-free COVID-19 vaccines are grown in plants and bacteria

Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have developed COVID-19 vaccine candidates made from plant viruses and bacteriophages, which can be stored and shipped without refrigeration. These vaccines trigger high production of neutralizing antibodies in mice, offering a potential solution for global distribution efforts.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2021

Scientists with the help of computer modeling discover a substance that blocks coronavirus

Researchers at South Ural State University used computer modeling to identify a substance that can block the spread of coronavirus. The study found that ligands must match RNA polymerase as closely as possible to be effective, and scientists have developed an equation to test other ligands' effectiveness on receptors.

SourceSouth Ural State University·JournalMolecules·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 16, 2021

Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 remain stable, or even increase, seven months after infection

A study found that SARS-CoV-2 antibodies remained stable or increased in healthcare workers seven months after infection, indicating potential protection from pre-existing antibodies against common cold coronaviruses. The results suggest that individuals with higher levels of anti-HCoV IgG and IgA had lower susceptibility to COVID-19.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2021

Government health, safety regulations backfire with conservatives, study shows

A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that government-imposed restrictions on consumption can have unintended consequences for conservatives. The research showed that conservatives increased mobile phone usage in vehicles after a law was enacted, and were more likely to purchase unhealthy foods and view e-cigarettes more ...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateJun 10, 2020

When coronavirus is not alone

A team of complexity scientists have developed a 'meme' model for multiple diseases, revealing that interacting contagious diseases follow the same complex spreading patterns as social trends. The study found that even one more contagion can dramatically shift dynamics and trigger macroscopic jumps in epidemic size.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 24, 2020

WHO underestimates the spread of the coronavirus

Researchers at Umeå University reviewed 12 studies on coronavirus transmissibility, finding it to be significantly higher than WHO estimates. The reproduction number calculated from these studies ranges from 2.79 to 3.28, indicating a high risk of rapid spread.

SourceUmea University·JournalJournal of Travel Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2020

Human antibodies manufactured in cattle for treatment of MERS are found safe in first phase 1 study

Human antibodies manufactured from transchromosomic cattle have been found safe in healthy volunteers, suggesting a potential novel technique for rapidly producing antibodies for passive immunotherapy against emerging infectious diseases like MERS. The treatment, SAB-301, was well-tolerated and showed promise in countering the virus.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJan 9, 2018

First proof of a direct association between coronavirus and neurological disease

Researchers have discovered a direct association between strain OC43 of the human coronavirus and neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and encephalitis. This breakthrough paves the way for targeted therapies that can address specific patient conditions.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 3, 2016

HKU scientists find 3 coronavirus species co-circulating in dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia and Korean outbreak of MERS caused by recombinant variant

Research reveals three coronavirus species co-existing in camels in Saudi Arabia, including one closely related to the human 229E virus. The study also finds that young camels are more susceptible to respiratory infections and that winter is the peak season for virus replication.

Scientific curiosity and preparedness for emerging pathogen outbreaks

The article highlights Stanley Perlman's career journey from studying mouse viruses to researching human coronaviruses like SARS and MERS. His work demonstrates the importance of basic research in understanding virus interactions with the immune system, which can inform strategies for preventing or treating diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 14, 2015