Research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Covers antiviral trials, antibody neutralization, viral escape, and rapid detection methods.
A recent study in Los Angeles County found that more than half of adults with Omicron variant infection were unaware of their infectious status. Health care employees had higher awareness rates than non-employees, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and testing to prevent transmission.
A new study from Cedars-Sinai researchers found that 56% of people infected with the Omicron variant were unaware they had COVID-19. The study suggests that a lack of infection awareness contributed to the fast spread of Omicron.
Researchers estimated long-term effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 infection and critical infections among 3.2 million South Korean adolescents. The study found high vaccine effectiveness in preventing severe illnesses.
Researchers used x-ray crystallography to study the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 at various temperatures, revealing subtle conformational changes and potential targets for drug design. These findings may inspire the development of new antiviral drugs to counteract COVID-19 and prevent future pandemics.
A team of researchers from Princeton University and the Broad Institute created a fast, accurate, and equipment-free diagnostic test for COVID-19. The test uses CRISPR technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants and can be performed at home without special equipment, improving sensitivity and specificity compared to existing tests.
Researchers found that a thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP) inhibitor could help slow thrombosis in COVID-19 patients by targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The gene's increased expression is linked to D-dimer levels and COVID-19 severity.
The AABB has released clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma, recommending its use for nonhospitalized patients at high risk for disease progression. The guidelines suggest that CCP is most effective when transfused with high neutralizing titers early after symptom onset.
A recent study found that healthcare workers are at a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection when exposed to patients with COVID-19 and wear inadequate masks. The study analyzed the risk of infection among 2900 healthcare workers based on their preferred mask type and level of exposure to patients with COVID-19.
The study found that regional connectivity drove both introduction and export risk of the virus, mainly through land-based travel. Improved pandemic surveillance infrastructure is crucial to mitigate outbreaks quickly, especially in regions like the Middle East.
A study of 127,000 patients with positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 tests found elevated health care use six months post-infection. This suggests that healthcare systems should consider long-term strategic planning to address expected increased use.
A 3-dose Moderna COVID-19 vaccination schedule significantly improved SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentrations in immunocompromised patients. This improvement was comparable to those obtained by healthy individuals after the standard two-dose Moderna vaccination schedule.
A recent study analyzed millions of SARS-CoV-2 genomes and found that recombination occurs more frequently in the spike protein region. The researchers developed a new software, RIPPLES, to detect this phenomenon, which is crucial for understanding the evolutionary history of the virus.
Researchers developed a broadly neutralizing antibody that neutralized all currently known SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron strains. The antibody works differently from existing antibodies and prevents the virus from fusing with host cells.
The Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery Center, led by the University of Minnesota, aims to discover effective responses to pandemics through basic, translational, and clinical research. Researchers at UIC are developing an antiviral therapy for filoviruses like Ebola with a potential drug ready for human testing within three to five years.
Scientists at Scripps Research have identified antibodies that induce broad immunity against SARS viruses, including emerging variants. The discovery reveals the antibody structures that produce this more comprehensive immune response and could inform the development of next-generation vaccines.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a critical mechanism in the replication of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The NiRAN domain plays a crucial role in synthesizing the RNA cap, which is essential for viral replication.
Researchers assessed the effectiveness of adding a Pfizer-BioNTech booster to two doses of CoronaVac, finding reduced risk of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study used national data from nearly 14 million vaccinated individuals in Malaysia.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.