Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study finds 1.7 million New Yorkers have been infected with SARS-Cov-2 and virus was in NYC earlier than reported

A retrospective surveillance study of over 10,000 plasma samples found that more than 1.7 million New Yorkers have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, indicating the virus was present in the city before the first confirmed case. The infection fatality rate is close to 1 percent, ten times deadlier than the flu.

Immune failure can cause serious COVID-19

Research by University of Bergen scientists has found that patients with critical COVID-19 often have antibodies blocking interferons, a crucial part of the body's defense system. This finding may explain gender differences in severe COVID-19 cases and offer potential treatment options.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2020

Head to head comparison of five assays used to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies shows Siemens and Oxford assays met regulatory targets

A head-to-head comparison of five SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays reveals that the Siemens and Oxford assays performed with the highest sensitivity and specificity, meeting regulatory targets. The study emphasizes the importance of accurately evaluating test performance to understand limitations and improve usage.

COVID-19 antibody studies across Brazil reveal Amazon region badly affected, with poorer Indigenous communities hit hardest

Nationwide COVID-19 antibody seroprevalence studies in Brazil show that cities along the Amazon River were severely affected at the beginning of the pandemic, as well as poorer and Indigenous communities. The research highlights a cluster of high prevalence in 11 cities along the Amazon River, with levels among the highest ever reported.

New immunotherapy to beat cancer

Researchers at Université catholique de Louvain have discovered a molecule that blocks immune responses in cancer patients, and are now developing an immunotherapy to neutralize it. The treatment combines anti-GARP antibodies with another proven approach to increase effectiveness in fighting cancer.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 11, 2020

Scientists develop low-cost chip to detect presence and quantity of COVID-19 antibodies

Researchers at OIST Graduate University developed a rapid, reliable, and low-cost antibody test using lab-on-a-chip technology. The device can detect the presence and quantity of COVID-19 antibodies in diluted blood plasma within 30 minutes, making it feasible for nationwide testing.

Flexible targets help immune system make finely-tuned antibodies

Researchers discovered that when the foreign antigen is more flexible, the germinal centre can employ a greater number of evolution strategies to make antibodies that bind foreign but not self-molecules. The study provides new insights for vaccine design and may help address the major roadblock in generating effective HIV vaccines.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

COVID-19: Herd immunity in Sweden fails to materialize

Sweden's policy of controlled spread of COVID-19 has failed to deliver herd immunity, with actual antibody prevalence lower than predicted. Clinical findings suggest that mildly ill or asymptomatic patients are less likely to acquire antibodies.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateAug 11, 2020