Research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Covers antiviral trials, antibody neutralization, viral escape, and rapid detection methods.
Researchers developed novel liquid-coated air filters that capture viable bacterial and viral samples for analysis. The filters show promise in improving early pathogen detection and aerosol sampling efforts.
A study suggests that visceral fat cells, rather than subcutaneous fat cells, are more susceptible to infection by the COVID-19 virus. This increased susceptibility leads to a higher viral load and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can exacerbate severe disease.
The study found that COVID-19 restrictions led to decreased balance ability, higher body fat levels, and worsened lifestyle habits in Japanese children. The researchers suggest that quality of exercise, rather than quantity, was the main factor contributing to these changes.
A large study found that most Canadian children and adults younger than 60 had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 through a combination of vaccination and infection. The study, conducted in British Columbia, shows a dramatic change in the proportion of the population with antibodies over the first 2.5 years of the pandemic.
Researchers identify an off-patent liver disease drug that can prevent SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells, potentially offering protection against future variants. The study used a unique combination of 'mini-organs', animal studies, and human subjects to demonstrate the drug's effectiveness.
Researchers used computer simulations to show that SARS-CoV-2 variants can attach to host cells in both bats and humans using their spike proteins. The study's findings suggest a significant risk of mammalian cross-species infectivity, contradicting initial expectations of reduced transmission.
Researchers at Aarhus University found a link between lipid kinase VPS34 and viral protection in the kidneys. The study used multiomics analysis to show that blocking lipid kinase could reduce viral entry and increase nutrient retention, offering potential new treatments for kidney diseases and infections.
Research suggests that long COVID patients share similar lingering negative effects on physical, mental, and social well-being with individuals who have other illnesses. The study found moderate-to-severe residual symptoms in 40% of COVID-positive participants and 54% of those who tested negative.
A follow-up study found that the 2-dose vaccines still provided protection against lung disease one year after vaccination as infants. The adjuvanted protein vaccine candidate maintained higher levels of neutralizing antibodies and provided superior protection compared to the mRNA vaccine.
Researchers found viruses with Omicron-specific mutations in COVID-19 patients in six African countries two months before the variant was detected. The study suggests that Omicron emerged gradually, evolving from existing human immunity, and spreading rapidly across Africa before global detection.
Researchers have found that experimental vaccines, including a protein-based vaccine candidate with an adjuvant, provide superior protection against lung disease and higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to mRNA vaccines. The results inform the optimization and development of COVID-19 vaccines for young infant populations.
A study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that primary vaccination provides moderate protection against Omicron infection regardless of prior infection history. However, the additional benefit of an original booster dose is unclear in people who have previously experienced COVID-19 infection.
A study of 1,000 adults found persistent poor physical and mental well-being at 3-month follow-up. Many reported moderate to severe impairments in well-being 3 months after symptomatic illness.
A new serological test, PepSeq, allows scientists to quickly test antibody binding against hundreds of thousands of protein targets, helping prepare for and respond to pandemics. The technology identifies specific antibodies that provide protection against infection, holding promise for developing effective vaccines and treatments.
A global Phase 2/3 clinical trial found that vaccination with SCB-2019 reduced the risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 infection to household members. The study showed a significant reduction in symptomatic cases among vaccinated household contacts and indicated that vaccines can play an important role in controlling future outbreaks.
Researchers discovered a novel interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and human Estrogen Receptor Alpha, which may contribute to severe coagulopathy in COVID-19 patients. The study suggests that modulating ER signaling could mitigate rare vaccine side effects.
A Brazilian team developed an electrochemical immunosensor to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, achieving 88.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity in just five minutes. The device can be adapted for other diseases and has potential for monitoring seroconversion and seroprevalence.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that pregnant women taking Paxlovid had a reduced risk of severe COVID-19. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, included 47 participants who received Paxlovid therapy and monitored for outcomes and complications.
Researchers found that antibodies against one of the two main domains of the SARS-CoV-2 viral entry machinery elicit a broad antibody response against many variants. This suggests strategies for clinical development of variant-resistant vaccines.
A study of over 1,000 healthcare workers found that medical masks may be as effective as N95 respirators in preventing COVID-19 infection. However, the results varied across countries and were influenced by factors such as vaccine use and variant circulating during the pandemic.
A new microfluidic multiplexed chip uses CRISPR technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 and monitor antibiotic levels, offering a rapid and sensitive solution for managing COVID-19 patients. The test omits nucleic acid amplification and can be easily adapted to new virus mutations.
Researchers have identified a tailor-made pocket feature in the spike glycoproteins of deadly coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, MERS, and Omicron. This finding could lead to the development of a pan-coronavirus treatment that exploits this pocket feature to stop virus infectivity.
Researchers found an imbalance in an important immune system signaling pathway associated with severe COVID-19. They detected dysregulation of the immune system mediated by ATP, leading to a pro-inflammatory state and potentially fatal systemic inflammation.
A recent study found that the Omicron sub-lineage BQ.1.1 is resistant to all approved antibody therapies, posing a risk to high-risk patients. The researchers emphasize the importance of developing new antibody therapies specifically targeted at currently circulating and future viral variants.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccination provides significant protection against reinfection, with varying levels of effectiveness (60-94%) across different variants. The study analyzed data from over 200,000 people in Denmark and showed that vaccination offered up to 71% protection during the Alpha period...
Three circulating omicron subvariants have shown improved resistance to vaccine- and infection-generated neutralizing antibodies. BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 are dominating US infections, while BA.2.75.2 is the best at evading neutralizing antibodies.
A team from UNIGE has revealed the existence of a hidden 'pocket' on the surface of the non-structural protein Nsp1, which could be used to develop new treatments against Covid-19. This discovery paves the way for innovative therapies targeting the Nsp1 protein and its potential application against other coronaviruses.
Researchers identified four partially hidden binding pockets on the SARS-CoV-2 virus's Nsp1 protein that could be targeted with drugs. These pockets are found to halt virus replication and prevent immune system shut-down, providing a promising lead for future coronavirus treatments.
Researchers from UCSF and the San Francisco VA Health Care System found that veterans with PTSD had an 8% increased risk of death and a 9% increased risk of hospitalization compared to those without psychiatric diagnoses. Patients with psychosis had a 58% increased risk of death and a 66% increased risk of hospitalization.
A systematic review of 36 studies found that influenza vaccination reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by 20% and poor outcomes like ICU admission and death by 17-31%. The findings suggest that routine influenza vaccination could offer non-specific immunity against COVID-19 symptoms.
Researchers found reduced levels of D-amino acids in patients with severe COVID-19 and IAV infection, suggesting they could be used as biomarkers. Supplementation with D-alanine improved survival rates and clinical outcomes in mouse models of both infections.
A comprehensive database, CoviRx, has been developed to repurpose drugs against mutated SARS-CoV-2 viruses. The platform allows scientists to narrow their search from 7,817 potential candidates to a 'top 200', with 12 tested and showing promise for further investigation.
A large study found that mRNA vaccines increased myocarditis risk in younger males, especially after the second dose. Absolute rates were low, with higher observed rates compared to expected rates.
Researchers have identified genetic variants associated with natural resistance to SARS-CoV-2, including a gene linked to mucin production. These findings may help develop vaccines and treatments for viral diseases by understanding the mechanisms underlying immune responses.
A new potential biomarker for severe COVID-19 has been identified by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Elevated levels of the cytokine IL-26 are linked to increased inflammation and tissue damage in patients with acute COVID-19.
Researchers at Cambridge University have successfully created artificial enzymes, known as XNAzymes, that can target and destroy the genetic code of SARS-CoV-2, a promising approach to develop new antiviral drugs. The engineered enzymes are highly specific and can be programmed to attack mutated RNAs involved in cancer or other diseases.
A recent study from Linköping University found that COVID-19 reactivated several latent viruses, including the Epstein-Barr virus, in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The study suggests that these reactivated viruses may contribute to the disease's symptoms and could potentially be used as a diagnostic tool.
Parental COVID-19 vaccination was associated with lower risk of hospitalization in children under 5, supporting widespread vaccination recommendations for young children. The study's results reinforce the importance of parental immunization during high-risk periods.
Researchers have developed a new nasal vaccine that induces potent lung immunity and protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice. The vaccine approach, which targets the nose, airways, and lungs, has shown promising results in preventing COVID-19 infection.
A new web-based tool called Taxonium is helping scientists track the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses by analyzing massive genetic datasets. The analysis reveals that COVID-19 variants worldwide are repeatedly evolving the same mutations, suggesting a convergent evolutionary process.
A cross-sectional study found that at least one post-COVID-19 symptom occurred in 59.7% of hospitalized patients and 67.5% of non-hospitalized patients two years after infection. The study suggests that small differences in symptoms at the onset of COVID-19 existed between hospitalization status.
Researchers found that a new drug inhibiting GRP78 effectively reduces SARS-CoV-2 replication in human lung cells. The drug also shows potential in treating certain types of cancer by suppressing mutant KRAS proteins.
Researchers identified biomarkers that predict severe Covid-19 cases with neurological symptoms, offering potential targets for drug development to prevent consequential damage. They also found a link between impaired blood-brain barrier and excessive immune response.
A study of over 111,000 veterans found that prescription of anti-SARS-CoV-2 pharmacotherapies was underused, particularly among those with risk factors for severe COVID-19 and minority groups. Veterans with limited outpatient access to these treatments were also less likely to receive them.
Researchers found two Korean native plants' saponins inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells by blocking membrane fusion. These compounds show promise in treating COVID-19, especially for asymptomatic cases.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found significant long-term morbidity in children, adolescents, and adults after COVID-19 infection. Children and adolescents are at risk of post-COVID-19 syndrome, with rates of malaise, cough, and headache increased compared to controls.
A new study found that maintaining universal masking policies in schools significantly reduced COVID-19 cases among students and staff. The study showed that lifting masking requirements led to a substantial increase in cases, highlighting the importance of universal masking in reducing transmission.
A study analyzing seroprevalence data found that global COVID-19 infection rates are likely higher than reported, with 59.2% of the population seropositive as of September 2021. The study suggests that two-thirds of the global population may have antibodies from vaccination or infection.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that COVID-19 vaccination results in higher antibody concentrations compared to natural infection, providing robust protection for mothers during pregnancy. The study also suggests optimal vaccine timing can maximize the transfer of antibodies to babies.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 increases methylation of host cell RNA, which can help the virus evade the immune system. This discovery provides insights into how different variants escape immunity and offers potential avenues for novel COVID-19 treatments.
Research shows COVID-19 can cause long-term changes to brain function through inflammation, affecting mood, concentration, and cognitive abilities in both young and old patients. Millions are potentially affected by this condition, also known as Long COVID.
A new study confirms that COVID-19 deaths among children and young people are rare, with most fatalities occurring in those with severe neurodisability or compromised immune systems. The analysis of detailed data showed that half of COVID-19 deaths occurred within 30 days of infection.
Researchers found significant immunological differences mediating sex differences in COVID-19 responses. Infected females had higher rates of symptoms but lower viral loads, with stronger immune response gene expression and molecular signatures.
Researchers identified how SARS-CoV-2's Nsp6 protein damages heart cells, hijacking their metabolism to cause damage. A drug, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, reduced this damage by blocking sugar metabolism, offering a potential treatment for long-term COVID-19 complications.
A study analyzing health records of veterans with SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID symptoms reveals the challenges of diagnosing and managing this condition. The analysis highlights complexities in clinical diagnosis and patient care.
Researchers used human brain organoids to show how SARS-CoV-2 infects and destroys synapses in cortical neurons. Sofosbuvir effectively inhibited viral replication and rescued impaired neurons, suggesting a potential treatment for Long COVID.
Researchers found that COVID-19 challenge trial participants are motivated by a desire to help others, not financial gain. The study suggests that volunteers have a thorough understanding of the risks involved and are driven by altruistic intentions.
A comprehensive review and meta-analysis found that young adults under 40 have a slightly elevated risk for myocarditis or pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. The analysis analyzed data from over 58 million participants and explored the relationship between COVID-19 vaccine and these rare but dangerous adverse reactions.
A new study led by Duke-NUS Medical School scientists found that inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines elicit a broad immune response against different proteins on the virus, while mRNA vaccines stimulate a single spike protein response. This broader T-cell response may be beneficial in preventing severe COVID-19 disease.
Recent scientific studies have shed light on the effects of exposure to earlier SARS-CoV-2 forms on immune response to Omicron variants. Researchers identified a pan-variant antibody with ultra-potent neutralizing potency, which may help reduce treatment resistance.