Research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Covers antiviral trials, antibody neutralization, viral escape, and rapid detection methods.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a novel bioink capable of constructing functional and mechanically strong blood vessels. The bioink enables bioprinting of conduits with key physiological characteristics similar to native vessels, potentially serving as vascular models for grafts in surgeries and disease studies.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital analyzed data from March 2020 to June 2022 to assess the severity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 subvariant compared to earlier variants. The study found that BA.2 was associated with lower mortality rates and reduced need for hospitalizations, invasive ventilation, and intensive care admissions.
New research finds that believing COVID-19 is a hoax can lead to increased belief in conspiracy theories and even suspect the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Donald Trump. The study proposes the 'gateway conspiracy' hypothesis, suggesting that one conspiracy theory triggers distrust in institutions.
A new anti-virus has been discovered in a medical lecture. The lectin, known as H84T-BanLec, is highly effective against many different types of coronaviruses, including those causing COVID-19 and MERS-CoV. Its unique mechanism makes it difficult for viruses to develop resistance, making it a potential 'pan-coronavirus' antiviral drug ...
Amino acid GABA shows promise in reducing disease severity, viral load and death rates in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. GABA administration inhibits inflammatory actions of immune cells, potentially providing a generalizable therapy to treat COVID-19 and future novel coronaviruses.
Researchers have developed an intranasal COVID-19 vaccine that works against the original virus and two variants, including omicron, in hamsters. The vaccine stimulates a strong immune response both systemically and in the respiratory tract.
A new study suggests that niclosamide, an anthelmintic drug, shows promise in combating exaggerated inflammation associated with severe COVID-19. The drug's anti-inflammatory effects are attributed to its inhibition of the inflammasome mechanism, a protein complex present in defense cells.
A recent literature review found that vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 can effectively prevent adverse conditions such as stillbirth and infant death. Pregnant women with COVID-19 have an increased risk for stillbirth compared to uninfected women, and those who vaccinate can more effectively prevent these events.
A team of scientists has identified over 200 direct protein-protein contacts between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and human cells, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying severe COVID-19. The study reveals chains of connections between viral proteins and infection-relevant human genes, with implications for disease severity and treatment.
Researchers used excess mortality data to calculate a significantly lower R0 value of 1.34 for SARS-CoV-2 infections in March 2020, contrary to earlier estimates which ranged from 1.95 to 6.49.
A study found that 60% of healthcare workers tested positive for COVID with antigen tests after five days and 50% were positive after seven days. Antigen tests are a better proxy for indicating infectiousness than PCR tests.
A study of 1,199 US essential and frontline workers found that recent mRNA vaccination with 2 or 3 doses before infection with Delta or Omicron variants was associated with attenuated symptoms and viral load. Vaccination status also influenced duration of illness and medical care seeking.
A study of 7,800 children under 5 years old found comparable side effects between Pfizer-BioNTech and non-COVID-19 vaccines. The results could inform vaccination recommendations for this age group.
The Covid-19 pandemic and European conflict have exposed the vulnerability of the global energy system, with reduced investments in clean energy projects and increased fossil fuel reliance. This is likely to create lock-in effects that could take decades to reverse, making a sustainable energy transition increasingly challenging.
A study on long COVID found increased rates of healthcare use two months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly among women. The largest increase was seen in a small subset of patients, who required an extra week or more in hospital compared to uninfected individuals.
A comprehensive study reveals SARS-CoV-2 viral-to-human protein interaction network, showing how the virus hijacks human proteins. Researchers identified 23 candidate drugs, including an FDA-approved beta-blocker that shows promise in inhibiting viral infection.
Individuals with Down syndrome experience less frequent but more severe viral infections, attributed to increased type I interferon expression. This leads to hyperactive immune responses initially, followed by overcorrection, resulting in increased vulnerability late in the viral attack.
A study reveals that BA.2.75.2, a new Omicron sublineage, largely evades neutralizing antibodies and is resistant to several monoclonal antibody treatments, posing an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections this winter.
Researchers discovered that plasmids can linger in the nose of lab workers for weeks, interfering with clinical diagnostic tests. The study highlights the importance of considering occupational exposure in diagnosis and treatment.
A recent study published in JMIR Cancer found that unvaccinated adult cancer patients with COVID-19 were seven times more likely to die from any cause of death compared to those without the infection. The study, conducted by researchers at Regenstrief Institute, analyzed data on adult cancer patients diagnosed between 2019 and 2020.
A new study found that SARS-CoV-2 causes significant neuron damage and inflammation within a week of infection in rhesus macaque monkeys. Aged animals with Type 2 diabetes experienced worse virus-induced neurological damage, raising concerns about potential spikes in neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that the COVID-19 vaccine can reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 placentitis, a condition that causes stillbirth and neonatal death. The vaccine not only protects pregnant women but may also be lifesaving for their unborn children.
Researchers at Rice University have received National Science Foundation support to speed up the analysis of wastewater for coronaviruses from hours to seconds. The team will develop bioelectric sensors that deliver immediate notice about the presence of viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
A study modeling 1.2 million individuals found 6.2% experienced at least one Long COVID symptom cluster within three months of acute infection. Risk was higher in females and those requiring hospitalization for initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially ICU care.
The Independent Task Force Report emphasizes the need for a One Health approach to prevent or respond adequately to the next pandemic. Key findings highlight the importance of 'Smart Surveillance' to identify high-threat pathogens and invest in R&D for innovative diagnostics, antiviral strategies, and therapeutic research.
The Omicron variant escapes the immune response better than its ancestors, but has also facilitated the transition to a society that can live with COVID-19. The study found that vaccinated individuals develop broader immune responses and experience milder infections.
Researchers identified genes that affect immune system response and replication of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Missing ORF3a/b gene led to milder infections, while missing ORF8 gene worsened lung inflammation. Spike protein severity varied across variants, with mutations in accessory proteins altering clinical presentation.
Research at LAC+USC Medical Center found a 11% decrease in exclusive breastfeeding and a 4% decrease in any breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic rates. Hospital staffing changes and access to breastfeeding training may have contributed to these declines.
Researchers found that elderly Japanese individuals show a low immune response to the third mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine. The study revealed that nearly 10% of participants had negligible antibody production despite receiving an additional dose. The findings suggest that elderly people may require specialized serological testing proto...
Researchers analyzed eight patients who experienced COVID-19 rebound after taking Paxlovid and found robust T-cell responses. The study suggests that rebound symptoms could be driven by the cellular immune response to residual viral RNA rather than an impaired immune response.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute discover new class of immunostimulatory dsRNAs that potently induce IFN-I production while limiting inflammation. The dsRNAs inhibit pandemic viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, in mouse and human Organ Chip models.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that low concentrations of cetylpyridinium chloride in mouthwash can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and viral load, regardless of variant. This antiviral effect is thought to be due to disruption of the lipid membrane surrounding the virus.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside successfully modeled the formation of SARS-CoV-2 using coarse-grained models, revealing key ingredients and components contributing to its packaging. The study could inform the design of effective antiviral drugs to arrest coronaviruses in their assembly stage.
A University of Essex study found that over 90% of deaf people struggled to communicate while wearing masks, with 76% missing vital information and 59% feeling disconnected from society. The researchers hope their findings will inform public policy in future health emergencies.
A Brazilian study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 targets astrocytes in the brain, reducing neuron viability and causing damage. Infection was confirmed using MRI scans of mild COVID-19 patients and experiments on human nerve cells.
A new drug, NMT5, has shown promising results in blocking SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals. The drug coats the virus with chemicals that temporarily alter the human ACE2 receptor, preventing it from infecting cells. In cell culture experiments, the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 was prevented from attaching to human ACE2 receptors by 95%.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that intravenous omega-3 treatment improved immune function and stimulated healing of inflammation without compromising the body's response to COVID-19. The study suggests a potential new, cost-effective low-risk treatment for severe COVID-19.
A study of 7,109 Americans found small shifts in personality traits between pre-pandemic and 2022, with younger adults showing disrupted maturity. The changes were about one-tenth of a standard deviation and suggest that population-wide stressful events can slightly bend the trajectory of personality.
A new method, EPISENS-S, has been developed to measure SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater with high sensitivity. This allows for the estimation of COVID-19 prevalence, including asymptomatic cases. The method was found to be approximately 100 times more sensitive than existing methods.
A blood test taken at the time of Covid-19 infection could predict who is most likely to develop long Covid. Researchers identified a 'signature' in protein levels that predicted persistent symptoms after one year.
UK researchers recommend recruiting highly skilled scientists and volunteer staff to provide surge capacity for testing capacity. The system aims to hit the ground running in case of future outbreaks.
A study found that specific N-glycans on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein regulate its development and functional maturation. This is crucial for viral entry into host cells. Researchers highlight N-linked glycans as potential drug targets for COVID-19.
A recent study has found an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and new-onset type 1 diabetes among pediatric patients. The study analyzed data from electronic health records and found that children who contracted COVID-19 were more likely to develop new type 1 diabetes compared to those with other respiratory infections.
A recent study finds that exposure to proteins in common foods, vaccines, bacteria, and viruses can prime the immune system to attack SARS-CoV-2, potentially providing protection against COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that individuals with a history of exposure to these agents may be less susceptible to severe illness.
Researchers developed DNA nets to detect and impede COVID-19, offering a fast, sensitive, and low-cost testing platform. The technique also showed potential as an antiviral treatment, inhibiting the virus's spread in live cell cultures.
A recent study supports fourth vaccination for cancer patients to protect them against COVID-19. Patients with solid tumours and hematological cancers showed a significant increase in antibody levels after a fourth dose of one of the currently approved vaccines.
Researchers found that salen can effectively bind to SARS-CoV-2 proteins, preventing destruction and potentially leading to new treatments. The study, published in Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds, shows promise for developing effective coronavirus therapies.
A newly discovered sarbecovirus in Russian bats has the ability to use human ACE2 to enter cells and is resistant to antibodies from people vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. This finding highlights the potential risk of transmission between animals and humans.
A new study from OHSU reveals that breakthrough infections following vaccination can provide a potent immune response against COVID-19, with increased protection for those 65 and older. The research found an equally strong immune response among people who received a third vaccine booster dose three months prior.
A nationwide study of 1.2 million children in Norway suggests a possible association between COVID-19 and new-onset type 1 diabetes. The study found that children who contracted COVID-19 were more likely to develop type 1 diabetes, but the absolute risk remains low.
A study by the Max Planck Institute found that playing wind instruments releases fewer viruses into the air than singing, but still more than breathing quietly. Wind instruments act as filters for larger particles, reducing transmission risk, while smaller particles spread further and pose a higher risk.
A new Scottish study found no direct association between COVID-19 infection and increased type 1 diabetes risk in adults and children under 35, suggesting testing explanations for the observed link. Increased testing around the time of diagnosis may be partly responsible for the observed increase.
Researchers developed a faster, more affordable method to analyze serological data and predict COVID-19 wave behavior. The study showed that vaccination boosted immunity, with hybrid immunity producing higher protection levels. Antibody levels rose quickly after the first dose, especially in cities where case numbers were highest.
Researchers have discovered a COVID-like virus in Russian bats that can infect human cells and is resistant to current vaccines. The new virus, named Khosta-2, poses a threat to global health and highlights the need for developing universal vaccines to protect against sarbecoviruses.
A global consortium study aims to understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the brain, with researchers evaluating over 1,000 participants worldwide. The study, led by UT Health San Antonio, uses advanced brain imaging and neuropsychological tests to assess cognitive function and identify potential causes of long-term brain changes.
Researchers developed an engineered Cas13 system that detects SARS-CoV-2 in biological samples with high sensitivity and speed. The new platform outperforms traditional PCR testing, finding 10 out of 11 positives and no false positives in clinical samples.
Researchers found that a 'slow delivery, escalating dose' vaccination strategy can prompt B cells to spend months mutating and evolving their antibodies, leading to more effective long-lasting vaccines. This breakthrough has implications for vaccines against pathogens like influenza, malaria, and SARS-CoV-2.
A team of scientists from SMART and NTU Singapore has developed a rapid point-of-care test kit that measures antibodies against SARS-COV-2 and its variants, offering personalized vaccination strategies. The test kit requires just 10 minutes to show results and has up to 93% accuracy.
Researchers have developed SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles (VLPs) that can mimic the virus's behavior, allowing for safer vaccine development and testing. These VLPs could help scientists understand how the virus invades the central nervous system and potentially lead to more effective vaccines.
A new study from the University of Maryland cautions that delayed interventions make it harder to eliminate monkeypox. The research suggests that stronger and better-adapted variants may evolve if case numbers are low, making it challenging to control outbreaks.