Articles tagged with Sars Cov 2
Researchers have discovered a broadly neutralising antibody, ZCB11, that protects against all SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants. Administration of ZCB11 either prophylactically or therapeutically shields lung infection in golden Syrian hamsters from Omicron viral challenge.
A new model predicts that high transmissibility and immune erosion will lead to further outbreaks. The study highlights the need for a universal vaccine to block SARS-CoV-2 infection and prevent severe disease.
A new test developed by MIT researchers measures neutralizing antibodies in a blood sample to predict COVID-19 immunity. The easy-to-use test could help people decide on necessary protections and may be particularly useful for those with weakened immune systems.
A new study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe found that over 55% of respiratory disease hospitalisations during the pandemic's peak were caused by non-SARS-CoV-2 infections. Non-COVID-19 respiratory infections are expected to increase this winter, posing a significant burden on healthcare systems.
A new poll shows that 61% of people over 50 who have already gotten at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine are very likely to roll up their sleeves for an updated booster shot. Health providers' recommendations will play a crucial role in increasing vaccination rates among older adults.
A new point-of-care diagnostic device combines CRISPR with electrochemical sensing to track COVID-19 infections' course via saliva. The device can simultaneously detect both SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional lab tests.
Scientists at UC Berkeley develop a new COVID-19 therapeutic using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that target a conserved region of the viral genome. The treatment is highly effective in preventing and treating COVID-19 infections in human cells and animal models, with no significant immune response.
A nationwide study is investigating the effects of COVID-19 on patients in the US, with a focus on understanding and preventing lingering symptoms. The four-year study, RECOVER Initiative, will enroll up to 20,000 participants and explore factors that put individuals at risk for long-COVID.
Researchers analyzed over 140,000 class meetings and found no evidence of in-class transmission of SARS-CoV-2 despite full-occupancy and masking. The study provides solid evidence that BU's disease mitigation events limited transmission in the classroom.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that the in-class transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was extremely low at a large urban university with strict health measures in place. The analysis of 140,000 class meetings revealed negligible cases, indicating effective control of the virus.
The study suggests that COVID-19's direct mortality effects on children may be comparable to the magnitude of indirect outcomes from gun violence. The authors noted a possible increase in gun-related deaths among children due to factors like psychological and economic strain during the pandemic.
A large Dutch study found that 12.7% of adults infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience long-term symptoms, including breathing problems and fatigue, three to five months after infection. The study suggests that these symptoms can be used to distinguish between post-COVID-19 condition and non-COVID-19-related symptoms.
A team of researchers found that two SARS-CoV-2 proteins, NSP6 and ORF7a, are essential for activating the NF-κB pathway, leading to elevated cytokine levels. The study suggests that targeting this pathway may offer a strategy to stop the virus.
A study of 40 individuals found that the duration of COVID-19 symptoms was associated with positive home rapid antigen tests, with symptoms persisting longer in those with prolonged test positivity. The findings suggest that symptom duration may be a useful indicator for determining when to stop testing.
The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated high levels of protection against emergency department and urgent care encounters related to Delta and Omicron variants. A third dose improved protection against Omicron beyond initial two-dose efficacy, emphasizing the importance of boosters for adolescents aged 12-17.
Researchers developed a SARS-CoV-2 saliva assay and prototype device combining speed, ease, and high sensitivity. The SLIDE device detects viral RNA in saliva within 45 minutes, comparable to traditional RT-PCR methods.
A University of Queensland-led research found that children's noses have a more effective anti-viral response to ancestral SARS-CoV-2 than adult noses. The study suggests that this may contribute to the lower infection rates and milder symptoms in children compared to adults.
A study of 29,000 Israeli healthcare workers found that recipients of a fourth Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine dose had a significantly lower risk of acquiring COVID-19 during the Omicron variant wave. The research suggests that a booster dose may offer enhanced protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A Canadian study reveals that international travel restrictions were key to reducing the spread of new COVID-19 variants. By limiting virus importations, governments gained time to ramp up testing, tracing, and healthcare interventions.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that vaccine uptake was low among First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Toronto and London, Ontario. The rate for 2-dose vaccination among First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Toronto was 58%, compared to 79% for the overall population.
Researchers found that ancestral SARS-CoV-2 replicates less efficiently in pediatric nasal epithelial cells, with a heightened antiviral response. This protection is not observed with the Omicron variant, highlighting the need for further study on emerging variants.
Molnupiravir's efficacy is affected by SARS-CoV-2 variant type and biological sex of patients, according to the study. The drug showed variable results in dwarf hamsters infected with omicron, but was more effective in males than females.
A research team led by Dr Chen Ting-Hsuan developed a new rapid antibody test that shows the level of antibodies readable by the naked eye, displaying results as a length of a visual bar like a mercury thermometer.
The new phage T4-COVID-19 vaccine elicits superior mucosal immunity in mice, inducing robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. The vaccine provides complete protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants with minimal lung lesions and no impact on gut microbiota.
Researchers create a modified live attenuated mumps virus for delivery, showing it induces stronger immune responses and provides superior protection against SARS-CoV-2. The new vaccine candidate uses a prefusion version of the spike protein and offers potential to enhance MMR childhood vaccine.
A new vaccine patch has been shown to be more effective at neutralizing COVID-19 variants than traditional needle-based vaccines. The patch technology precisely delivers the vaccine into the skin's immune cells, producing superior immune responses.
Research suggests that up to 5.6% of patients may experience persistent smell loss, while 4.4% may not recover their sense of taste after COVID-19 infection, with recovery rates increasing over time.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have made significant progress in designing a pan-coronavirus vaccine that targets the S2 area of the spike protein, offering protection against multiple coronaviruses and potential future pandemics. The study found that antibodies targeting this area can neutralize a range of coronaviruses, i...
CoVaRR-Net is investing $6.9 million in 15 research projects focused on understanding Omicron subvariants and finding solutions to curb their spread. The studies will explore various aspects of variants, including viral transmission between animals and people, new variant mutations, and the impact of social factors on Indigenous Peoples.
A study published in Journal of Virology reveals that primary cells from various bat species do not support SARS-CoV-2 replication, even those expressing ACE2, a key receptor for the virus. This finding contradicts previous theories about bats as potential reservoirs of the virus.
Researchers found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus likely jumped from animals to humans at least twice and possibly as many as two dozen times at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China. The market's genetic diversity suggests multiple spillover events occurred, with at least two strains making successful introductions.
A UC Berkeley-led study identified specific human lung proteins that can promote or protect against SARS-CoV-2 infections. Researchers found that mucins, a key component of mucus in the lungs, help block the virus from entering cells, while other mucins may even promote infection.
Researchers confirm COVID-19 originated from live animals sold at Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China. The market was the epicenter of the epidemic, with vendors getting infected first and setting off a chain of infections.
The first global dataset of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals has been published, providing a comprehensive overview of the virus's impact on animal populations worldwide. The dataset shows an increasing number of reported cases globally, with high diversity of variants detected in various species.
Two studies suggest the COVID-19 pandemic originated from animal-to-human transmissions at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in late November 2019. Genetic and geographic analyses pinpoint the market's western portion, where live animals were sold, as a key location for early cases.
A recent study found that people who smoke or vape prior to hospitalization for COVID-19 are more likely to experience severe complications, including death. The study, which analyzed data from the American Heart Association's COVID-19 CVD Registry, also showed that young individuals are particularly at risk.
An international team of researchers found that the earliest cases of COVID-19 arose at a wholesale fish market in Wuhan, China, linked to bats, foxes, and other infected live mammals sold as meat or fur. The study confirms earlier reports suggesting animal sales were the source of the pandemic.
SARS-CoV-2 uses nanotubes to infect neurons, bypassing the usual ACE2 receptor. The virus can spread rapidly through these nanotubes, contributing to its infectious capacity and neurological symptoms.
Scientists analyzed DNA sequence data from nearly 71,000 people worldwide and identified mutations in ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes that affect protein expression, influencing COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. The study suggests a potential new diagnostic method based on host cell variation rather than the evolving virus.
Researchers found that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein activates a natural immune response in heart muscle cells, leading to damage. This unique interaction with Toll-Like Receptor 4 is specific to COVID-19 and explains its high virulence levels compared to other coronaviruses.
A third COVID-19 booster helped identify and neutralize 20 different variants, reducing the risk of breakthrough infections and severe disease. The study provides valuable insights into the immune system's response to new variants and informs strategies for managing the pandemic.
The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein activates the natural immune response in heart muscle cells, causing damage and inflammation. The study found that the spike protein also caused hypertrophic remodeling and cardiac dysfunction in lab mice, highlighting a novel, ACE2-independent pathological role of the virus.
A study by Goethe University Frankfurt found that antibodies against Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.2 decline rapidly, even after a second vaccination or booster shot, offering limited protection against infection.
A study of 1,884 children with 90-day follow-up found post-COVID-19 conditions in 5.8% of patients, including respiratory and systemic symptoms. Hospitalized children were more likely to experience these conditions, highlighting the need for targeted guidance and follow-up.
A recent study found higher antibody titers after the third and fourth Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine doses in individuals aged 60 or older. This population is at high risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 disease, making timely vaccination crucial.
Researchers discovered a potent universal coronavirus therapy that targets the S2 stalk region of the viral spike protein, highly conserved among beta-coronaviruses. The monoclonal antibody protected against infections when given as an intraperitoneal injection or nasal dose in animal experiments.
Researchers have developed a novel COVID-19 vaccine based on altered plasmid DNA that effectively blocks cell infection across all tested variants. The vaccine targets a specific vulnerability in the SARS-CoV-2 virus's spike protein, inducing a focused antibody response.
Researchers developed a membrane that captures and deactivates the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, providing enhanced protection against coronavirus transmission. The new membrane provides a protection factor above N95 masks, filtering out 95% of airborne particles.
A new study found that adults have stable immune memory to common cold coronaviruses, which could lead to similar protection against SARS-CoV-2. The findings suggest that COVID-19 booster shots may be critical for long-term immunity.
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has been recommended by the CDC for primary series use in US adults ages 18+, following FDA authorization. The vaccine demonstrates 90.4% effectiveness in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% effectiveness against moderate-to-severe disease. NIH and BARDA supported its development, with NIAID scientists...
Researchers used virus-like particles to identify mutations in Omicron that make it more infectious and escape antibodies. The study found that mutations in the nucleocapsid protein are crucial for enhancing spread, highlighting potential new vaccine targets.
A recent study found that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduced the risk of infection among NHS hospital workers in England during the second wave. The research showed that without vaccination, staff absence could have been 69% higher and infections peaked in late December 2020.
A case series of six patients reported rare skin reaction complications after receiving the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. The study aims to shed light on these unusual side effects.
Researchers found a significant association between COVID-19 infection in the third trimester and increased risk of preterm birth, with women infected after 34 weeks being seven times more likely to experience preterm birth. However, no difference was found in pregnancy loss between infected and non-infected women.
Researchers developed a new blood test that can indicate cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 within 48 hours. The test distinguishes between post-infection and post-vaccination immunity, enabling quick diagnosis for patients unable to produce antibodies. Long-lasting T-cell responses may protect against severe disease in re-infections.
A third of COVID-19 patients experience neurological symptoms due to SARS-CoV-2's effect on the central nervous system. Researchers now investigate mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 signaling in the CNS microvasculature with a new NIDA grant.
Gladstone researchers discovered that BET proteins play two distinct roles in interacting with SARS-CoV-2 infected human cells: giving the virus a window into cells while helping our cells defend themselves. Blocking certain BET proteins worsens disease symptoms, highlighting the need for targeted therapeutics.
A new study suggests that current vaccine boosters intensify protections against serious infection caused by Omicron subvariants. The research found that booster doses bring neutralizing antibodies to appreciable levels against all Omicron subvariants, consistent with other evidence of expanded memory B cells and antibody production.
Researchers at the Institut Pasteur and CNRS studied SARS-CoV-2 replication in bat cells, finding that viral infection triggers a powerful immune response that prevents the virus from replicating. The study uses real-time imaging techniques to visualize the speed of cell infection and the formation of syncytia.
Provincial health ministries hold COVID-19 vaccination data but have been reluctant to share it with researchers. Establishing partnerships between provinces and the Health Data Research Network would enable timely data transfer and support research into vaccine effectiveness.